2018 Catena Alta “Historic Rows” Malbec

I was deeply impressed by the wine when I tasted it in February 2023. The Catena Alta Historic Rows Malbec sported all of the lush, silky fruit that one expects from Malbec but on a lighter, much more elegant frame.  The wine is not defined by tannin or texture, rather by lift and freshness. I suppose that the elevation of the vines here is the likely cause given that this vineyard is planted at an insane 1300 - 1400 meters in elevation, but you also have to acknowledge the amount of skill it takes to balance such disparate elements so seamlessly in the wine. The Catena family continues to impress! - Andy Paynter

Catena wines, first launched in 1992, set a new standard for quality in South America. The wines immediately proved the quality potential of Argentina and garnered the first outstanding reviews for Argentine wines from worldwide media. After more than 20 years, the wines of Catena continue to lead the way in Argentine viticulture and winemaking. The family and the winery’s employees take great pride in carrying on the tradition that began over a century ago.

The Catena family’s estate vineyards are located in the premier growing regions of Villa Bastías, Tupungato; Agrelo, Lujan de Cuyo; Lunlunta, Maipu; Gualtallary, Tupungato and La Consulta, San Carlos. Nicolás believes the terroir of Mendoza's high altitude wine country (3,000 - 5,000 feet above sea level) is unique to the world, and the reality of this belief is expressed in every bottle of Catena wine crafted. - Winebow, Importer