Catena Alta Malbec 2021

The 2021 Malbec Catena Alta comprises 70% sourced from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley and the remaining portion from Lujan and Maipa. Aged for up to 18 months in French oak barrels, both new and used, this purple wine reveals aromas of plums and cherries alongside hints of lavender and violets, all atop a subtle cedar layer. Dry and juicy, the supple and velvety tannins are complemented by a nimble flow, resulting in a mildly structured red with a flavorful, lasting finish. If there is a key in Mendoza Malbec, meaning piecing together terroirs to enhance complexity, this bottle might be the example.

Fresh blue fruit with dried herbs, ripe stems and white pepper. Very juicy, fresh and fine-grained on the palate with a medium body and a crunchy, fluid finish. Quite long. Drink or hold.

A fresh and ready-to-drink version, with a melange of dried hibiscus, orange peel and red currant folding over onto the smooth-textured palate. Abundant spice details add to the berry preserve flavors, and a twinge of crunchy acidity chimes in to drive the finish. Offers nice length, suggesting the possibility of short-term cellaring. Drink now through 2034. 14,000 cases made, 4,500 cases imported.