Ripe, concentrated dark fruit aromas with delicate floral notes and traces of vanilla and mocha. Rich and lush on the palate, with concentrated black cherry and red currant fruit flavours layered with sweet spices, tobacco and a touch of leather. The finish presents soft, supple tannins with bright, crisp acidity and a flinty minerality which gives the wine exceptional length.

It’s impossible to talk about Argentinean wine for more than a few minutes without someone mentioning either Nicolas Catena or one of his wines. No-one has done more to put Mendoza on the map, or to raise the profile of Malbec from Bordeaux reject to one of the world’s most fashionable grape varieties.

His journey to the top hasn’t been easy, however,and plenty of people were sceptical when Nicolas started planting Malbec at ever higher altitudes in the Andes. Eventually the results of his experiments spoke for themselves and others quickly followed in his footsteps. The family’s commitment to research and development continues apace with Nicolas’ daughter, Laura, now at the helm.

The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena wines are consumed shortly after release, we are pleased to see that they age beautifully for ten to twenty years.

Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza's high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. From the marriage of these historic vineyards emerges a wine of unique character that has natural balance, concentration and a distinct varietal identity.

This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration for 5 days at 48°F to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for 26 days with a post-fermentation maceration of 24 days. Elevage: 12-14 months in barrel. Barrel selection varies depending on vineyard and vintage –first, second and third use barrels used.

A Blend of Four Vineyards - vineyards are divided into lots that are harvested at different times:
Lunlunta 3,018 ft (920m) elevation: ripe plum fruit flavors and silky texture.
Agrelo 3,117 ft (950 m) elevation: dark fruit character, dense mid-palate and pepper notes.
Altamira en La Consulta 3,593 ft (1,095 m) elevation: black cherry aromas and excellent structure.
Gualtallary 4,757 ft (1,450 m) elevation: explosive floral aromatics and full, concentrated mouthfeel.

Perfect with roast beef, steaks or barbecued meats!