Catena Zapata River Malbec 2019

Catena Zapata River Malbec 2019

 

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Catena Zapata
River Malbec 2019
  • Vintage : 2019
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion
  • Type : Red
  • Style Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 13,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 99 2019
JS James Suckling 98 2019
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 95 2018
WS Wine Spectator 93 2018
W&S Wines & Spirits 94 2016
TA Tim Atkin 95 2015
DCT Decanter 94 2014
WE Wine Enthusiast 91 2013
More information on wine critics and ratings

The River Stones sector of Adrianna is planted in the path of a dried river filled with white stones covered with lime - limestone. These stones make for optimal drainage and extreme temperatures because the stones absorb the heat and moderate the nights but also function like ice cubes after a very cold night. Stony soil Malbecs tend to be extremely aromatic, rich and luxurious, just like the River Stones Malbec from Adrianna.

About The Vineyard:

Over the years, Nicolás Catena Zapata discovered the influence altitude has on fruit quality. As one climbs the altitudes of the Andes the average temperature decreases and the amplitude between day and night temperatures increases.

Named after Nicolás Catena Zapata’s youngest daughter, the Adrianna Vineyard is located at almost 5,000 feet elevation in Mendoza. The soils in this 1.4 hectare parcel are filled with scattered limestone and marine deposits that covered the region millions of years ago.

Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vineyards in Mendoza in 1902. Malbec had been a blending grape in Bordeaux, but Nicola suspected it would find its hidden splendor in the Argentine Andes. Fast forward sixty years and Nicola’s grandson Nicolas took the reigns of the family firm. Since the mid-1960s, Nicolas has spent his career building Catena in to one of the world’s best wineries, emulating what his mentor Robert Mondavi achieved in California. Nicolas was a pioneer of… Read more

Robert Parker (RP) : 99 Points (2019)
The old River Stones has seen its name simplified to 2019 Adrianna Vineyard River. This is an exceptional vintage for this bottling, from a very stony part of the large Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, close to the dry river. It's the equivalent to the White Stones white, with a north-facing exposure, the warmer exposure, which in cooler years like 2019 works nicely. The wine has harmony and subtleness, insinuating violets and wet stones, with a rare combination of power and elegance, with minerality and spice, precise, focused and harmonious. The tannins are abundant but very fine and ripe with a chalky sensation in the finish. It has 13.8% alcohol and very good freshness, acidity and healthy parameters. Best after 2023.

James Suckling (JS) : 98 Points (2019)
So bright and aromatic with flowers and blackberries, as well as some black olives. Full-bodied with lots of tannins, yet they are so fine and integrated and spread across the palate. This is all whole-cluster fermentation and 18 months in large oak casks. Needs about four or five years to come together.

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 95 Points (2018)
Riverstone is a 1.6-hectare parcel of Malbec grown in a dry river bed of stones coated in calcium carbonate. The winemaking process begins with fermentation in 500-liter barrels, followed by 20 months’ aging in French oak barrels. Expressive, like all wines grown in stony soil, this is also fruity with notes of sour cherry, raspberry and lavender. The palate is quite intense, offering hints of chalk that define the texture and a saline flavor that enhances and channels the effect in the mouth. (JH) (10/2020)

Wine Spectator (WS) : 93 Points (2018)
Structured and well-knit, with rich acidity backing red currant and dark cherry flavors that show notes of black olive. Slate and tarry hints midpalate lead to a finish powered by accents of forest floor. (KM) (12/2021)

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 94 Points (2016)
This malbec grows on the site of an old riverbed, where the currents left behind smooth stones coated with calcium carbonate. The high altitude of the site and these calcium-rich soils grow elegant malbec, lean and bright in its tangy acidity. The wine feels fresh and vibrant, with scents of roses and pine needles, while the cocoa-fine tannins give it a steady, settled feel. It gets more detailed after a day open, suggesting that this will continue to evolve with more time in the bottle.

Tim Atkin (TA) : 95 Points (2015)
The soils of the River Stones Malbec, located in a dry creek, are identical to those of the White Stones Chardonnay, producing a rich, spicy, textured wine that’s fermented with 100% stems. Plum and bramble fruit flavours are complemented by understated oak and a ripe, figgy finish. 2019-26

Decanter (DCT) : 94 Points (2014)
Sweet black fruit accompanied by leathery notes on the nose and palate, with a very moreish texture - a fantastic expression here, a feast!

Wine Enthusiast (WE) : 91 Points (2013)
This wine's dark, smoky berry aromas include a reedy note. A selection from the rockiest part of the Adrianna Vineyard in Tupungato, it's so racy and bright that it's sharp and tangy on the palate. Its toasty red berry, plum and spice flavors finish with unusually high acidity. Drink through 2035.Cellar Selection

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RP
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94
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RP
90
JS
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WE
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VN
96
DCT
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JS
98
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JS
97
DCT
95
VN
97
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VN
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WS
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Catena Zapata River Malbec 2019 Reviewed by James Suckling 19-11-2023 . Score: 5