The Wine Advocate | RP 91
Published: Nov 30, 2022

The juicy and young 2021 Catena Malbec has a nice combination of spice, berry and herbs to make it balanced, expressive and attractive. It's round, velvety and nicely crafted in an easy to understand and highly drinkable style and a commercial profile. A champion in drinkability.
Drink Date: 2022 - 2026

Jamessuckling.com | JS 94
Published: May 1, 2024

Tangy herbs, licorice and graphite with ripe black cherries and a hint of coffee. Tense and juicy on the palate with bright acidity and a medium to full body. Long, super well-poised and extensive. Drink or hold.

Catenazapata.com

HIGH MOUNTAIN ESTATE VINEYARDS
The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena wines are consumed shortly after release, we are pleased to see that they age beautifully for ten to twenty years. Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza's high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. From the marriage of these historic vineyards emerges a wine of unique character that has natural balance, concentration and a distinct varietal identity. 

VINIFICATION
This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration for 5 days at 48F (8,8C) to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for 12 days with a post-fermentation maceration of 19-22 days. Wild Yeasts. Elevage: 12 months in barrel. Barrel selection varies depending on vineyard and vintage - First, second and third use barrels used. 

TECHNICAL INFORMATION
Varietal: 100% Malbec 
Alcohol: 13.6% 
Total Acidity: 5.8 grams/liter
pH: 3.6

VINEYARDS

A Blend of Three Vineyards - vineyards are divided into lots that are harvested at different times:

Lunlunta 3,018 ft (920m) elevation: aluvial origin. Loamy clay in the topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom.
El Cepillo, Eugenio Bustos 3,593 ft (1,090 m) elevation: aluvial origin. Loam-sandy soil with thick calcareous layers and rounded rocks on the bottom.
Gualtallary 4,757 ft (1,450 m) elevation: aluvial origin. Gravel and limestone soil. Rounded rocks in the bottom.