Ripe and concentrated, boasting vibrant aromas and flavors of crushed blackberry, raspberry and cassis, which unfold to reveal layers of spice, licorice and sweet oak as hints of graphite fill the long, juicy finish. This has power, but is well-balanced. Drink now through 2012"One sniff tells you plenty; there's attractive spice, coffee and leather to go with rich molasses and broad black-fruit aromas. The palate maintains balance due to fine, fresh acidity, and the flavor profile brings mocha, coffee, berry, plum and toast. Delicious, deep layered and refined. Will age for at least 5-6 years, but best from 2012-14."The 2007 Alta Malbec is a glass-coating opaque purple color with an inviting perfume of balsam wood, clove, cinnamon, lavender, black cherry and black raspberry. More structured and with greater density and aging potential than the "regular" bottling, it can be cellared for 5-7 yearsSaturated medium bright ruby. Blackberry, licorice, minerals, mocha and bitter chocolate on the vibrant nose. Thick but lively on entry, then densely packed and supple in the middle palate. A creamy-sweet fruit bomb with terrific breadth and length. The tannins are suave and sweet."
A stunning Malbec from Aregentina by one of my favorite wine producers (also love their Chardonnays). This wine loaded with dark fruit, structured tannins, hints of spice and soft oak. I had it with a rack of Lamb (dijon crust) followed by decadent dark chocolate souffle. It was a brilliant pairing. -Dimitri
| Producer |
| Over the past 20 years, Nicolás and Laura Catena and their vineyard management team have worked tirelessly in the discovery, identification and development of key microclimates in the high altitude wine country of Mendoza, Argentina. Nicolás Catena has planted an almost countless number of varietals and clones throughout his mountain vineyard sites.
This quest for quality lead Nicolás and Laura Catena to a crucial discovery regarding the influence of altitude on grape cultivation in Mendoza. Observing the important differences in soil types, average temperatures and thermal amplitudes that exist at varying altitudes, he found that vineyard sites which are just a few kilometers apart can have vast differences in altitude and possess remarkably different microclimates.
Over the years, the in depth study of these different microclimates led Nicolás to determine that the same varietal, and even the same clone, presented distinct aromatic and flavor profiles when cultivated in each of these unique microclimates. Implementing the age old art of assemblage, he found that by blending these different lots of the same varietal, he could achieve a more complex wine. |
