Catena Malbec — Mendoza, Argentina 2024
Bodega Catena Zapata has been the defining force in Argentine fine wine for decades — a trailblazer in high-altitude viticulture since the 1990s, farming vineyards up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills where cooler temperatures, intense UV radiation, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings produce Malbec of uncommon elegance, depth, and fres...Show More >
Catena Malbec — Mendoza, Argentina 2024
Bodega Catena Zapata has been the defining force in Argentine fine wine for decades — a trailblazer in high-altitude viticulture since the 1990s, farming vineyards up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills where cooler temperatures, intense UV radiation, and dramatic diurnal temperature swings produce Malbec of uncommon elegance, depth, and freshness. The Catena Malbec is the house’s benchmark expression: a wine that has introduced generations of drinkers to the world-class potential of Mendoza Malbec, earning 93 points from the Wine Advocate (prior vintage) and consistently delivering far more than its price suggests.
The color is deep ruby-violet with brilliant clarity. The nose is expressive and inviting: dark plum, blackberry, violet, turned earth, and subtle spice. On the palate, it is juicy and precise — vibrant acidity and a savory, sturdy core frame the dark fruit, with a high-toned, lingering finish of earthy depth and freshness. Elegant, fruit-forward, and endlessly food-friendly.
Vinous: 92 Points | The 2024 Malbec is sourced from Mendoza. This is the ABC of provincial Malbec: expressive red fruit, a touch of fresh plum, a faint balsamic note and violets. It is juicy and agile with integrated freshness. Compared with the previous vintage, the 2024 release is slightly slimmer and more lithe. (Vintage 2024).
James Suckling 92 Points | Red berries, cherries, minerals and hibiscus on the nose with a very juicy, medium-bodied palate and fresh veins of tannins. The elegant, medium-long finish is vibrant and full of good pristine fruit. Drink now. (Vintage 2024).
Wine Advocate 93 — (Prior Vintage 2023). High-altitude, elegant Mendoza Malbec from one of Argentina’s most celebrated estates. Dark plum, blackberry, violet and earthy depth with vibrant acidity and a savory, lingering finish.
-
Producer: Bodega Catena Zapata, Mendoza, Argentina
-
Vintage: 2024
-
Appellation: Mendoza
-
Varietal: 100% Malbec
-
Style: High-altitude, elegant & fruit-forward
-
Altitude: Up to 5,000 feet in the Andes foothills
-
Size: 750ml
-
Tasting Notes: Dark plum, blackberry, violet, turned earth, subtle spice, vibrant acidity, earthy lingering finish
-
Cellar Potential: Drink now or cellar 3–5 years
-
Best Paired With: Grilled skirt steak, roasted lamb, beef empanadas, hearty stews, aged cheddar, blue cheese, Manchego
Thirty years of high-altitude mastery, 93 points from the Wine Advocate, and priced for every night of the week — Catena Malbec is the Argentine benchmark that never disappoints.
< Show Less
