Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021 6L

Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec 2021 6L

100 points - The Wine Advocate

98 points - James Suckling

The 2021 River Stones Malbec is nothing short of a revelation—proof that Malbec can stand alongside the finest wines in the world. Sourced from the Adrianna Vineyard’s storied River Stones parcel, this is the pinnacle of high-altitude winemaking. The unique terroir—stony soils from an ancient riverbed at nearly 4,500 feet above sea level—creates a wine of unmatched minerality, depth, and tension.

This vintage captures the magic of 2021, a year defined by cool conditions that elevated freshness and finesse. The aromatics are intoxicating: blackberry, violet, and crushed stone leap from the glass, with subtle notes of white pepper and cocoa adding intrigue. On the palate, it’s all about elegance and energy, with dark fruits, graphite, and silky tannins unfurling in perfect harmony.

It’s taut and focused, with a mineral edge that keeps everything in balance. Winemaker Alejandro Vigil’s gentle touch—wild ferments, partial ageing in French oak foudres, and careful attention to detail—allows the site to shine, producing a wine that feels both powerful and weightless at once.

This is Malbec at its zenith, built for those who appreciate both immediate beauty and long-term potential. You can drink it now, but if yay it down for a couple of decades, you'll watch it evolve into something truly extraordinary. The River Stones Malbec is a rare treasure that redefines what’s possible from Argentina's flagship variety.

Alc: 13.9%

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