Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River 2018

Produced by Catena Zapata in Argentina’s Uco Valley, Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2018 comes from what is widely regarded as one of the greatest vineyards in South America. The Adrianna Vineyard lies at almost 1,500 metres above sea level in Gualtallary, Mendoza, where intense mountain sunlight, cold nights and extreme altitude create wines of remarkable precision and longevity. The River Stones parcel is defined by large white oval stones coated with calcium carbonate, which reflect sunlight and contribute to the wine’s distinctive mineral tension and freshness. The exceptional 2018 Argentine vintage brought a long, balanced growing season with superb purity, structure and refinement. The wine received 100 points from James Suckling and 99 points from The Wine Advocate.

Made from 100% Malbec, the grapes are harvested by hand and vinified with careful extraction to preserve aromatic detail and site expression. The wine is aged for around 16 months in French oak barrels, with a restrained use of new oak to complement rather than dominate the fruit and mineral profile. Still youthful and tightly structured, the 2018 shows layered aromas of black cherry, blackberry and violet alongside graphite, crushed stone, wild herbs and subtle spice. The palate is intensely concentrated yet remarkably vertical and precise, with refined tannins, vibrant acidity and pronounced saline minerality carrying through to an exceptionally long finish. Although already deeply expressive, the wine has outstanding potential for long term ageing and further complexity.