2017 Catena Zapata ‘Catena Alta’ Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza, Argentina (750ml)

WINEMAKER’S NOTES:

Catena Alta is an assemblage of historic rows within the Catena family Estate vineyards. The blend of these historic rows, like the marriage of sounds that create a symphony, yields a highly aromatic and elegant wine that speaks for the earth and the vines that have been tended by the Catenas for four generations. The Catena Alta wines can usually be drunk starting at three years after harvest and into the following one to two decades.

TASTING NOTES:

I was very pleasantly surprised by the 2017 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon, which has a very classical nose, combining the herbal character of the grape with good ripeness of the year, resulting in a very complete wine, nicely textured and with the serious tannins from the variety. I was very impressed by the 2016, and this follows the same path. 33,600 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2018.

-Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate, 93 pts

Attractive aromas of strawberry, red cherry, crushed gravel and peppercorn shape the nose of this full-bodied Cabernet Sauvignon. It has gripping tannins and concentrated fruit and spices, with notes of mint and black pepper on the structured, vibrant palate. The finish is long, flavorful and fresh.

-Wine Enthusiast, 93 pts