CATENA ZAPATA ADRIANNA VINEYARD
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
Why Buy: Three 100-point wines from one of the great winemaking dynasties in the world, Catena Zapata. The two others, a 98-pointer and a 97-pointer, are no slouches, either. All 5 showcase the famed, high-altitude Adrianna vineyard, which produces grapes going back more than 100 years. These are wines of enormous depth and complexity, and it’s little wonder that Catena Zapata is South America's most critically-acclaimed estate, with 11 perfect scores from the critics to its illustrious name.
What They're Saying: The Wine Advocate bestowed 100 points on the River Stones Malbec 2021, calling it “a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo!" The critics have not been able to restrain themselves over these releases. James Suckling, in his 100-point review of the White Bones Chardonnay 2022, lauded it as “pure, unique, and thought-provoking,” with "lots of mineral tension," a "bright acidity," and a finish that "goes on and on.”
Our Tasting Notes: The White Bones Chardonnay 2022 is all precision and definition, its laser-focused acidity carrying notes of citrus and stone fruit across a remarkably textured palate. An absolutely standout white white that needs no accompaniment. Likewise, the White Stones Chardonnay 2022, which dazzles with its crystalline purity, offering a thrilling interplay of citrus zest and flinty minerality. The reds were no less impressive for their focus and depth. The Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2021 is an impressively-built powerhouse, complex and concentrated, its core of black fruits and violets lifted by vibrant acidity and finishing with a compelling saline note that speaks to its unique terroir. The River Stones Malbec 2021 is no less powerful, delivering dark fruit flavors anchored by a compelling mineral backbone, and a finesse that keeps you engaged throughout. The Fortuna Terrae Malbec 2021, a 100% whole bunch fermented wine, delivers elegance in a broad, muscular frame, its silky tannins framing layers of dark fruit and subtle spice.
The Story: Let’s call this one — The Grandson Also Rises. Though the Catena story began in 1902 with Italian immigrant Nicola Catena's first Mendoza vineyard, it was his grandson Nicolás who took the estate to new heights and dramatically transformed its fortunes. Recognizing Mendoza's untapped potential, Nicolás combined an economist's analytical mind with a visionary's passion, embarking on a bold mission to elevate Catena Zapata — and indeed, all of Argentina — to the pinnacle of the wine world. Today, the Catena family, led by Nicolás and his daughter Laura, continues to push boundaries, exploring the unique microclimates of their high-altitude vineyards. The estate's crown jewel, the Adrianna Vineyard, has been dubbed the "Grand Cru of South America." Its extreme elevation creates a crucible of intense sunlight, cool temperatures, and poor soils that stress the vines, resulting in grapes of extraordinary concentration and complexity. The family's commitment to research and innovation has elevated not only their own wines but also has helped to redefine the entire Argentine wine industry.
The Specs: The White Bones Chardonnay undergoes fermentation and aging in French oak barrels, with regular lees stirring to enhance texture and complexity. The Malbecs are vinified with minimal intervention, often incorporating whole-cluster fermentation to preserve freshness and add structural depth. Extended maceration and aging in a combination of new and used French oak barrels allow these wines to develop their full potential.
What to Pair Them With: These versatile wines shine across a range of cuisines. The Chardonnays are sublime with rich seafood dishes or creamy risottos. The Malbecs pair beautifully with grilled meats, particularly a charred porterhouse or ribeye or tomahawk, but also show well with robust vegetarian fare like grilled portobello mushrooms or eggplant parmesan.
Fun Fact: Laura Catena, in addition to her role as a vintner and operator, is a practicing emergency room physician in San Francisco, bringing the same precision and care to both her patients and her wines.
Our Guarantee: We always buy and source directly from the estate, so rest assured – your wines will arrive in your hands with pristine provenance. Secure yours today!
*Offer NOT valid in-store. This offer is made pre-arrival, with wines estimated to be delivered to your preferred store in Winter 2024 (Dec. 21st - Mar. 20th, 2025). With the supply chain issues that we are seeing globally, there may be some unforeseen delays which could affect the ETA. All sale prices are the lowest available at Total Wine & More and ONLY valid through Concierge Sales. No further discounts or coupons may be applied. Offer not valid in KS, MI, NY, or TN. This offer is for ONE WEEK, or until sold out, and will expire on Monday, September 30th, 2024.
