100pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

There is an usual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors and a sense of harmony that was moving. It's powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo!

98pts James Suckling

A full package of red fruit with a hint of black olives, spice, wet stones and hibiscus. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, very pure, transparent and juicy. Really elegant and subtle, with a long finish. Very refined. Complex but discreet and pinot-esque for a malbec. 100% whole bunch.

98pts Vinous

The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River originates from a small stony plot nestled in an ancient riverbed in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in foudres and concrete vats. It displays a purple hue with a bright sheen. The nose offers enticing notes of sage and arugula, complemented by chamomile, lavender and huacatay, layered over a base of rosehip and crushed plums. This Malbec exhibits a dry and lean profile reminiscent of Pinot Noir, showcasing a nervous and taut sensation with a silky texture. The refreshing notes and juicy flow linger, creating a harmonious experience. This red wine combines precise harvesting timing with a beautiful 2021 vintage to accentuate its primary profile.

96pts Wine Enthusiast - Cellar Selection

This is a beautifully balanced Malbec, with an elegant character and polished tannins. Floral aromas are followed by soft notes of leather and berries. The palate is very expressive, offering layers of blackberries, raspberries, cassis, licorice and jarilla. It has a silky texture and features optimal acidity, suggesting it will age gracefully. Drink now through 2035 and beyond.

94pts Wine Spectator

Young and needs time and air to reveal the elegant display of dried violet and mountain herb notes, which cling to the river stone–laced flavors of blueberry and cherry. Reveals traces of floral cassis and spices underneath, with rich chalky tannins on the finish. Best from 2025 through 2035.

About the Wine

This cuvée takes its name from a small parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard that is completely covered with oval white stones and was the site of an ancient riverbed. The abundant stones provide optimal drainage and extreme temperatures. They absorb heat and moderate the nights, but also function like ice cubes after a very cold night. Stony soil Malbecs tend to be extremely aromatic, rich and luxurious, just like the River Malbec from Adrianna. This wine can be enjoyed young or aged for decades.

Importer Notes

Over the years, Nicolás Catena Zapata discovered the influence altitude has on fruit quality. As one climbs the altitudes of the Andes the average temperature decreases and the amplitude between day and night temperatures increases. Named after Nicolás Catena Zapata’s youngest daughter, the Adrianna Vineyard is located at almost 5,000 feet elevation in Mendoza. The soils in this 1.4 hectare parcel are filled with scattered limestone and marine deposits that covered the region millions of years ago.