Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard 'River Stones' Malbec - 2022 (750ml)

99 Points, James Suckling: "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."

WINE DESCRIPTION

This cuvée takes its name from a small parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard that is completely covered with oval white stones and was the site of an ancient riverbed. The abundant stones provide optimal drainage and extreme temperatures. They absorb heat and moderate the nights, but also function like ice cubes after a very cold night. Stony soil Malbecs tend to be extremely aromatic, rich and luxurious, just like the River Malbec from Adrianna. This wine can be enjoyed young or aged for decades.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration (60% to 80% whole cluster) of 5-10 days at less than 50ºF (10ºC) to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for around 12-22 days with a total maceration of approximately 10-15 days. Elevage: 18-21 months in French Oak (10+ years old 2200 lts. Foudres).

Varietal: 100% Malbec

Alcohol: 13.60%

Total Acidity: 6.9 grams/liter

pH: 3.6

Wild yeasts

Key Word Descriptors: floral, exuberant, lengthy smooth tannins, metallic