Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae Malbec

Well-crafted and pure-tasting, with intense, mineral-infused flavors of raspberry, red currant and dried cherry, supported by fresh acidity. The lively finish reverberates with crushed stone and spice notes. Best from 2020 through 2025. From Argentina.-K.M. SENIOR EDITOR KIM MARCUS SAYS: "Made by the influential Catena family, this wine is not the big, strapping style of Malbec that helped bring Argentina onto the world stage, but instead is a very refined version that is reflective of both its site and the diversity that Argentina can offer. The Adrianna Vineyard is one of the highest in Mendoza, at about 5,500 feet in elevation. The alluvial loamy soil is rich with limestone, which helps to promote the structure in the wine. It was barrel-fermented with native yeasts in a mix of 225-liter and 500-liter containers and then barrel-aged for 24 months

The third vintage of this elegant, spicy, 80% whole bunch-fermented Malbec, made in more of a "European" style than many of the top Catena reds, is every bit as good as its predecessors. Fresh, tangy and peppery, with skilfully integrated 50% new oak, crunchy red berry fruit and a fine, refreshing finish. 2019-27

(14.5% alcohol; here the layer of calcaire lies underneath a meter of soil): Bright medium ruby. Aromas of black cherry, licorice, bitter chocolate and violet are currently showing a bit more oak influence than the River Stones Malbec. Denser on the palate than that wine as well, conveying a greater impression of power leavened by superb mineral energy. This wine always begins with about 1.5 grams per liter more acidity than the River Stones, noted winemaker Alejandro Vigil, despite the fact that in 2015 one of the components was picked with potential alcohol of 15.5%. Boasts an exhilarating balance of sweetness and acidity. Although the tannins are beautifully buffered, this wine will need aging to unfold.