Incredible purity of malbec and clarity. So much wild-flower and stone character. Full body, firm, and silky tannins and an incredible depth and precision. Tangy acidity. Ethereal and dream-making; this is the La Tache of Argentina. A definition for malbec. 3,000 bottles made. Try in 2018 and onwards.

The 2012 Malbec Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard is Malbec from the eponymous vineyard in Gualtallary close to 1,500 meters altitude. It fermented with some Viognier exclusively from the plots where the soil is rich in calcium carbonate. The vineyard is planted at high density, 12,000 plants per hectares. The fruit is riper than in 2011 (always relatively speaking!) with aromas of peach, red and black cherries with a spicy twist. The palate is really intense, with electric acidity and ultra-fine tannins. It ends very tasty and long. 4,000 bottles produced. - Luis Gutierrez