Bodega Catena Zapata : "Adrianna River" Malbec 2022

A touch restrained, but with talc, mountain herb and brambly berry details to the fresh and lively core, with a mineral coating to the red currant, Rainer cherry and raspberry flavors that lengthen around the well-spiced finish and structured tannins. Best from 2026 through 2040. 460 cases made, 225 cases imported.

Probably the most austere among the three Adrianna Vineyard malbecs. Arresting nose already, with a touch of white pepper to the deep black and blue fruit. Huge depth and profoundness, but at the same time it is so fresh. The difference is more obvious on the palate if you compare this with the Mundus Bacillus Terrae and Fortuna Terrae bottlings. This shows the claws of the mineral tannins, which are a little less fleshy than Mundus, but with more tension. Seamless, taut and long. Drink from 2026.

The 2022 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River was aged for up to 21 months in French oak barrels. It comes from a terroir-driven plot planted in 1992 in Gualtallary, Tupungato, on an old riverbed. The aromas show blackberry and ripe plum, with hints of grass, cherry, arugula, lavender and sage, complemented by black tea and herbal tension. This raw Malbec delivers chalky intensity and a fine, compact expression. It is well defined and shows a reductive character, making it quite intriguing. This very seductive, long-lasting high-elevation Malbec evokes the elegance of a Pinot Noir.

The 2022 Malbec River Adrianna Vineyard is concentrated and grippy, with considerable earthy character and a touch of herb and black tea. The fruit is dark and brooding as well, kept buoyantly fresh on the palate by the natural acidity that buzzes underneath, the tannins smooth and supple and well-resolved. Cellar through 2037.