“Raises the bar for Mendoza Malbec.” – Vinous

Who’s ready to raise all bars with WINE INTRIGUE AWARDS TOMORROW??? On this Eve of WIA, we’re pumped to kick things off with our Wine of the Year.

But before that, ONE FINAL banger offer. From the irresistible and much loved producer, the King of the South - CATENA!

THE flagship from this world class producer, with 95 and 94 points, at over HALF OFF. The Alta line is NOT entry level by any means. A special selection from the “Historic Rows” of their four fabled vineyards, like this cult Malbec we snuck into the Store here for the day from Adrianna takes it up a notch. Should you like to throw a bottle into the mix.

Ahem, back to Alta. Per the winery, “Every vineyard has a sweet spot: a series of rows that yield the best quality fruit. Differences in soil structure, clonal selection, row orientation, slope, or vine density result in wines with a one-of-a-kind character, concentration, and personality. Catena has spent the last 30 years extensively mapping their estate vineyards to uncover these lots. The winery farms and vinifies each lot separately to showcase its unique expression. The blend of these rows, like the musical notes that compose a symphony, creates a wine that is layered and complex, concentrated yet nuanced.”

In the case of this 95-point ‘22, those are Lots 6 and 18 of Angélica, Lot 4 of La Pirámide, Lot 1 of Nicasia, and Lot 9 of Adrianna. That adds up to a LOT of wine for $44!

From the first look, to the first whiff, to the first sip, and the exotic, long finish, this symbolizes Catena’s pursuit of perfection at all price points. It also clearly is a showcase as to why the blending underdog of Bordeaux, Malbec, is unofficially the national grape of Argentina, as at 100% here, it morphs into a swan that gracefully glides across the palate, with the most haunting impressions of complexity and grace.

So, back that truck up. Because, as Wine Advocate says, “when all is said and done, Catena is the standard of excellence for comparing all others.”

95 Points – Vinous “The 2022 Malbec Catena Alta brings together historic vineyards from Luján de Cuyo and Uco Valley to capture the best of both regions: Luján’s generous, supple tannins and Uco’s juicy, fresh fruit. Aged for up to 18 months in barrel, this wine is the essence of Mendoza Malbec. Intense aromas of fresh plum and delicate balsamic notes float over oak and a floral hint in the background. With indulgent depth and a juicy flow, the 2022 balances plush tannins with refined texture to produce a long and sapid palate with a touch of intensity and subtle concentration. This is a rich wine that raises the bar for Mendoza Malbec. Drink 2026-2037.”

94 Points – Descorchados “The Catena Alta Malbec is a summary of the vineyards that Catena has spread throughout Mendoza. From Angélica in Maipú, at an altitude of 1,000 meters and beside the Mendoza River, to Adrianna at an altitude of more than 1,400 meters in the rocky and calcareous soils of Gualtallary, in the north of the Uco Valley. A kind of wide-angle photograph of what Malbec is like in this desert land at the foot of the Andes. And the photo is very clear - the flavors and aromas of fruit dominate, sweet and ripe tones in a generous body, but at the same time it is very well balanced by acidity that keeps everything on the fresh side. The notes of oak accompany, but do not disturb the expression of the variety.”