JS
98
James Suckling
RP
97+
Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate
WS
93
Wine Spectator
Photos are for display purposes only and may have an out-of-date vintage, bottle shape or label.
In Stock Online (*)
*This item is available for ordering online, however, it may not currently be available in the Retail Stores.

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'River' Malbec 2020

Product description

This wine is floral, exuberant, with lengthy smooth tannins, and metallic notes.

This cuvee takes its name from a small parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard that is completely covered with oval white stones and was the site of an ancient riverbed. The abundant stones provide optimal drainage and extreme temperatures. They absorb 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 Malbec from Adrianna. This wine can be enjoyed young or aged for decades.

Pair with grilled meats.

98 Points - James Suckling

Wild blackberries, pine cones, bark, chili chocolate, cracked pepper, cloves, iodine and crushed stones on the nose. Full-bodied with firm, creamy tannins. Lovely coolness and minerality to the dark fruit. Powerful, too.

97+ Points - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

The wine matured in large oak foudres, and the oak is still perceptible and might need a little more time to get integrated. This tends to be the most austere of the three bottlings, even in the warmer years like 2020, and it shows a little more fruit. It's juicy but beautifully textured with a spicy twist of curry that reminded me of some bottlings from El Enemigo in El Cepillo. It seems to open up slowly in the glass—the violet and berry aromas get complicated by some spice (curry?)—and the palate feels more layered. This is a superb expression of the austere wildness of Gualtallary.

93 Points - Wine Spectator

A suave rendition, elegantly layered with creamy plum and berry notes, while wild thyme and river stone hints cling to the edges. Stretches out nicely on the finish, where a persistent note of milk chocolate checks in as well as a second wave of minerality.