Description

Catena 2011 Malbec
Malbec, Viogner| Alc: 13.5% – Smooth and Supple
Mendoza, Argentina

Winemaker’s notes:
Catena 2011 Malbec presents a deep violet color. This microclimate blend of four unique vineyards offers intense aromas, a soft texture, and concentrated flavor. Deep aromas of ripe red and dark fruits are joined by delicate violet and lavender notes, with traces of vanilla and mocha. A rich, concentrated mouthfeel is highlighted by flavors of blueberries and blackberries with a touch of tart cranberries, sweet spice, and leather. The wine finishes with bright acidity, well-integrated and silky tannins, and a flinty minerality that lingers on the palate.

A wonderful complement to robust red meat dishes, any agro dolce sauce, or an earthy dish like Lamb Tagine with Dried Plums.

Critical Acclaim:
“The 2011 Catena Malbec is produced with fruit grown in Lunlunta, Agrelo and Gualtallary fermented together with a little bit of Viognier from high altitude, which according to winemaker Alejandro Vigil had an amazing eight grams of acidity which contributed a lot of freshness to the blend. 30% of bunches fermented without destemming and as is common in the top Catena wines, these grapes from four different regions were harvested at three different points in time in search of diversity. This is very dark cherry-colored and has strong aromas of ripe plums, peach and apricot with some notes of orange rind. Medium-bodied with velvety, silky tannins, it is a good representation of Malbec in Mendoza. It is approachable now, but it should be even better in one year.” 91 Pts – Wine Advocate

“Bright red-ruby. Tighter and less expressive on the nose today than the cabernet sauvignon, hinting at cassis and licorice pastille. Juicy, supple and surprisingly easygoing on the palate, if a bit less chewy than the cabernet. In a distinctly elegant style, not big or superconcentrated but seamless, generous and already approachable. Finishes with smooth, sweet tannins and noteworthy energy and length.” 91 Pts – Stephen Tanzer’s IWC

“A dark and jammy red, with enough acidity to propel the roasted plum and wild berry compote notes. Layers of smoke, toasted spice and espresso emerge on the rich finish.” 91 Pts – Wine Spectator

“An assemblage of three different sites within Mendoza, each bringing varying but vital components to the finished wine. Shows power and guts but doesn’t go over the top, with an abundance of sweet, opulent damson and rich blackberry fruit augmented by the oak, retains balance and persistence.” 90 Pts – Decanter

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