95pts Vinous

The 2019 Malbec Catena Alta is a blend of grapes from vineyards in Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley ranging in height from 3100 to 4900 feet above sea level and was aged for 18 months in varied use French barrels. The complex aromatic profile features ripe plum and blueberry with jam and hints of lavender, violet, mint and cedar along with a whiff of toast. In the mouth, it’s rich but precise with fine tannins and a juicy packaged freshness that keep things taut and gentle as part of a good, comfortable structure. The vigor and structure counterbalance one another to deliver energy and persistence in a deliciously classical Malbec.

94pts James Suckling

Violets, purple plums, currants, nutmeg, lemon zest, walnuts and star anise on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, very fine tannins. Vibrant and energetic. Plenty of tension. Sustainable. Drink or hold.

94pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The 2019 Catena Alta Malbec transported me to the spirit of the 2016, both cool vintages. It's a blend of grapes from different vineyards that were harvested at different times to ensure optimal natural acidity and moderate alcohol levels. Whole berries are hand-loaded into small-format fermentation bins and 225- to 500-liter barrels. It shows precision and is clean, floral and really elegant, a little closed at first. The palate reveals a very fine thread, satin-like tannins and lively acidity with some blood orange hints. This is phenomenal.

91pts Wine Spectator

Silky smooth in texture, with a loam and forest floor cast to the black cherry and wild strawberry flavors, adding pepper and floral details around suave tannins.

Winemaker Notes

Catena Alta is an assemblage of historic rows within the Catena family Estate vineyards. The blend of these historic rows, like the marriage of sounds that create a symphony, yields a highly aromatic and elegant wine that speaks for the earth and the vines that have been tended by the Catenas for four generations. The Catena Alta wines can usually be drunk starting at three years after harvest and into the following one to two decades.

Winery Notes

Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to exprot a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.