2018 Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'Mundus Bacillus Terrae' Malbec
Mundus Bacillus is named for the “elegant bacteria” that live in the soil of Adrianna Vineyard and seem to protect the vine’s roots in their extreme home. Located at almost 5,000 feet in the Andes, wild temperatures make for some seriously intense fruit. This boasts a big, savory bouquet of sweet, dark fruit, flowers and spices. On the palate, the sweetness of the fruit is kept in balance by savory, mineral tones and a firm, chalky structure.
Wine Advocate
The 2018 Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae started with a marked creamy and lactic note, reflecting a very young and tender wine that started with a lot of malic acid. It has lower alcohol and higher acidity than the other two Adrianna bottlings; it's vibrant and lively, nicely textured and surprisingly fresh. The creamy and lactic note disappeared after some time in the glass, giving way to fresher notes, almost citrus. They have also done a selection of individual plants, discarding some plants in lower parts, and the wine has gained in precision and freshness. They used a high percentage of full clusters and fermented it in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured it in used oak barrels for 18 months. In 2018, the three Adrianna bottlings have more defined character; the differences are more marked than in a year like 2017. This has to be among the finest vintages for the Mundus Bacillus Terrae. 4,800 bottles were filled in November 2019.
James Suckling
This is a really deep, decadent red, showing incredibly rich black soil, black olives and violets. Full body and rich tannins that exude power and intensity. Lots of white pepper and black fruit in the aftertaste. Extremely persistent. This is a bottle for the cellar. Try after 2024.