2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River
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Tasting notes
From Gualtallary Monasterio. River comes from one of the stonier plots in the vineyard with river rocks that are covered in a layer of calcium carbonate. This wine goes through an extensive cold maceration (50% whole cluster) of 5 – 10 days at less than 10 ° C to extract aromas. The juice is then fermented for around 12 – 22 days with a total maceration of approximately 10 – 15 days. Aged for 18 – 21 months in French o ak. The wine offers one of the most fragrant and floral Malbecs of the Adrianna range, which is drinking beautifully already with alluring notes of violets and wild flowers. There are fine, powdery tannins and vibrant acidity. Very elegant indeed. (AB)
Critic scores
Jancis Robinson MW
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River originates from a small stony plot nestled in an ancient riverbed in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in foudres and concrete vats. It displays a purple hue with a bright sheen. The nose offers enticing notes of sage and arugula, complemented by chamomile, lavender and huacatay, layered over a base of rosehip and crushed plums. This Malbec exhibits a dry and lean profile reminiscent of Pinot Noir, showcasing a nervous and taut sensation with a silky texture. The refreshing notes and juicy flow linger, creating a harmonious experience. This red wine combines precise harvesting timing with a beautiful 2021 vintage to accentuate its primary profile.
There is an usual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors and a sense of harmony that was moving. It's powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo! 3,400 bottles produced.
About the producer
Bodega Catena Zapata has been instrumental both in the development of fine wine production in Argentina and in realising the full potential of the Malbec grape.