Alta Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

CATENA

Alta Cabernet Sauvignon
2016

  • Sustainable
Country
Argentina
Regulated designation
Dénomination origine (DOC)
Region
Mendoza
Subregion
Lujan de Cuyo
Varietal(s)
Cabernet Sauvignon 94 %
Cabernet Franc 6 %
Colour
Red
Producer's website

About this winery

At heart, Catena is a story about family. Family who poured their lives, passion and spirit into transforming scrub-laden desert into some of the most beautiful and unique vineyards in the world. Family that passed their knowledge from generation to generation, blending collective memory with state-of-the-art science from the new world of viticulture. Family who, through risk-taking, faith and a little luck, transformed their treasured Mendoza terroir into the fountainhead of the award-winning...

See the CATENA detail page for more information on this brand

Product notes

Grapes were sourced from Lot 3 of the La Pirámide vineyard (Luján de Cuyo), Lot 2 of the Domingo vineyard (Uco Valley) and Lot 2 of the Nicasia Vineyard (Uco Valley).

Production notes

The grapes were treated individually based on vineyard site; fermentation and maceration occurred for 28-30 days. Wild yeasts were used and malolactic fermentation occurred in barrel. Wine was aged for 18 months in French oak. Unfined and unfiltered.

Press reviews

Tim Atkin MW

- 93 points -

May 2019

Containing 7% Cabernet Franc to add a leafy, perfumed top note and some extra finesse, this Mendoza Cabernet Sauvignon is focused and well balanced with herbal, cassis and black cherry fruit, good minerality a whiff of graphite.

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James Suckling

- 93 points -

April 2020

A firm, integrated cabernet with attractive plum and chocolate aromas and flavors. Medium body, round tannins and a delicious, flavorful finish.

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James Suckling

- 92 points -

March 2018

Another 2016 from this producer with plenty of cocoa and cassis. The crisp acidity makes this bold wine very lively and suggests it will age very well.

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Wine Advocate

- 92 points -

November 2022 (Vintage 2020)

The 2020 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon contains 8% Cabernet Franc that seems to have given it an extra touch of freshness in this warm year. It's varietal, peppery and herbal but with ripeness and 13.7% alcohol. It's medium-bodied with abundant herbal flavors and very fine tannins.

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Tim Atkin MW

- 91 points -

May 2020

Much smaller in size than the Historic Rows Malbec, this only comes from three areas of
Mendoza - Agrelo, Paraje Altamira and Villa Bastías - and has 7% Cabernet Franc for an
added dimension. Plush, supple and sweet, it has succulent cassis and blackberry fruit, fine tannins, some toasty new oak and balancing acidity.

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Tim Atkin MW

- 90 points -

May 2018

This is a big blend by anyone’s standards at 480,000 bottles, made with admirable consistency from a combination of vineyards in Luján and the Uco Valley. Rich, smooth and concentrated, it has layers of cassis and herbal fruit and textured tannins.

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