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 (the wine was aged in barrels for 18 months) accompany, but do not disturb the expression of the variety.

Racy berries, cherries and touches of white pepper and tamarind. Very juicy and fluid, with fine-grained tannins and a mouthwatering finish. Long, succulent and very poised. (ZS)