This ambitious new release from Catena (US$300 a bottle, no less) is a radical departure for the winery that shows the left field thinking of winemaker Ale Vigil. Old wood, 50% whole bunches and partial carbonic maceration all contribute to the complexity of this remarkable Malbec, sourced from the same chalky soils as White Bones Chardonnay. Fresh and sappy with aromatic red fruits and notes of clove, pepper spice and bramble and a lingering finish.
April 2016