The 2022 Adrianna Vineyard Malbec River squarely occupies the most ethereal, lifted and weightless expression of Malbec in the Catena Zapata roster. It opens with a floral, lively and open-knit bouquet that hints at the stony, mineral-tinged tension to follow on the palate. In the mouth, it displays a taut, spry and gently succulent texture that is deceptively rich and powerful despite its nimble nature, releasing into a persistent, long and unwaveringly focused finish. This is a perfect counterpoint to the more robust Malbec Mundus Bacillus Terrae bottling and will appeal to readers seeking nuance and minerality above all else. 98+ (ML)

The 2022 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River was aged for up to 21 months in French oak barrels. This was sourced from a terroir-driven plot, planted in 1992 in Gualtallary, Tupungato, on an old riverbed. The aromas reveal blackberry and ripe plum, with hints of grass, cherry, arugula, lavender and sage, complemented by black tea and herbal tension. This raw Malbec features chalky intensity and a fine, compact expression. It is well defined and exhibits a reductive character, making it quite intriguing. This very seductive and long-lasting high-elevation Malbec evokes the elegance of a Pinot Noir. (JH)

This elegant and expressive Malbec captivates with its refined structure. Grapes from the winery's Adrianna vineyard in the Uco Valley contribute to a wine with a delicate nose of herbs, cassis and spices. There is tension on the palate, where silky tannins and invigorating acidity frame vibrant layers of meaty plums, blackberries and herbal notes. Drink or hold through 2037. *Cellar Selection* (JV)