2018 Catena Malbec Paraje Alatmira Uco Valley
SKU #1525622
95 points
James Suckling
This takes a spicy stance with attractively matched oak and plums, currants and violets. The palate has such succulent, dark-plum flavors with long, polished tannins. Impressive poise and depth here.
(2/2020)
93 points
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The star of the appellation range is usually the Malbec from Altamira, and the 2018 Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec does not disappoint. One of the plots was harvested quite early, and the rest fermented with full clusters and finished fermentation without skins, which seems to have added to the elegance/ethereal character of the wine. It's expressive and floral, varietal, and with the full chalky texture that is a distinct characteristic of Altamira. It's tasty, the tannins are polished and there is an almost salty sensation in the finish. (LG)
(10/2019)
92 points
Vinous
Bright ruby-red. Slightly reduced, inexpressive nose hints at black cherry and violet. At once dense and juicy, but quite backward and uncompromisingly dry, with its dark fruit and floral flavors refreshed by a strong element of mineral salts. This wine boasts serious dusty extract and a long chalky finish but really needs another year or two of cellaring. Just 10% new oak used here, vs. one-third for the La Consulta and Lunlunta bottlings. (ST)
(9/2019)
K&L Notes
For the last 5 years Catena has offered their appellation series in the US. This was started to showcase and elevate the different sub-regions within Mendoza. Mendoza is a very large region with a great deal of variability. It is a wine region where there are less than 50 miles separating a cold climate region like Champagne and a very hot region like North Africa. And it all can be labeled Mendoza! Located in the Southern part of the Uco Valley, Altamira has long been recognized as a premium location for grape growing, but it was only recently given its own GI (appellation). Located above 1000 meters in the Alluvial fan of the Tunuyan River. The elevation and the sandy soils bring an elegance to all the varietals of the region especially Malbec.
