The 2014 Catena Alta Malbec is sourced from old vine vineyards and was aged for 18 months in 70% new French barriques prior to bottling. A dark, glass staining purple color, the wine has heady and earthy aromatics of black tea, pipe tobacco, scorched earth and black cherry compote. Dense and concentrated, the blue fruit on the mid-palate impress as it connects with black fruits and espresso bean flavors before folding in a touch of vanilla, which all come together and linger on the rich, layered finish. While appealing now, I expect this to begin hitting its stride after a few years of bottle age. (Best 2017-2030) - October, 2017 (OB)
Wine Specifications
- Report Date: October, 2017
- Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata
- Vintage: 2014
- Drinking Window: 2018-2030
- Estimated Value: $45
- Country: Argentina
- Region: Mendoza
- Appellation: Mendoza
- Importer: Winebow