2018 Catena Alta 'Historic Rows' Malbec Mendoza
Catena Alta is an assemblage of historic rows within the family’s estate vineyards. The blend of these older vines yields a highly aromatic and elegant wine that sings with terroir. Four generations have tended these special vines, and they’ve come a long way under that familial care. This is an age-worthy, structured and juicy wine with a mixture of red and black fruit alongside flowers, sweet spices and herbs. This is already showing very well, but we expect it to continue to evolve for another decade.
James Suckling
Beautiful blackberries and green tea with some blueberries. Medium body with beautiful balance, freshness and whole-berry sensibility and brightness. Subtle and sophisticated. Drink or hold.
RP93
Wine Advocate
The 2018 Catena Alta Malbec shows more evolution and ripeness than the 2019. It's varietal and floral with a mixture of red and black fruit, sweet spices and aromatic herbs. It has moderate ripeness—in fact, it's a little lower in alcohol than the 2019—a medium body and fine-grained tannins, with good grip.
VN92
Vinous
A Malbec from Mendoza made from a selection of parcels in different terroirs in Primera Zona and the Uco Valley that spent 18 months in French oak, this is complexity in a bottle. The ripe, layered, evolving nose delivers plum and violet notes followed by a hint of acidic cherry over a woody backdrop. Fleshy on the palate, it offers the good grip and volume typical of Malbec as part of a satisfying combination that also includes a terse texture and juicy freshness.
WS91
Wine Spectator
Well-structured and juicy, with dark cherry and plum tart flavors that feature firm tannins and acidity. The spicy finish offers baker's chocolate notes and peppery hints.