High Elevation, Big Flavor
I’ve long admired the Catena family's legacy—pioneers who not only put Argentine wine on the world map, but who continue to redefine what’s possible from this unique terroir in the Andes. With each vintage, their vision becomes more refined, and the 2021 'Alta' is no exception. Laura Catena has become not just a great cheerleader, but also a great thought leader in wine as well as she has taken over the reins of the winery from her father. I also have to admit that I have one of her signature Catena berets that she hands out at home.
Crafted by fourth-generation vintner Dr. Laura Catena and Chief Winemaker Alejandro Vigil, the 'Alta' Malbec is a beautifully balanced wine born from three high-elevation estate vineyards in Mendoza: Lunlunta (3,000 ft), El Cepillo (3,600 ft), and Gualtallary (4,750 ft). Each site is harvested in parcels and vinified separately to capture its distinct personality, then carefully blended to achieve harmony. The result is a wine that is rich and concentrated, yet fresh and lifted—Malbec with both muscle and grace. The elevation there plays such a role that without it there would be no chance to grow fine wine–the latitude of Mendoza is so close to the equator that if you flipped it to the Northern hemisphere, you would be right around Orlando, Florida.
The 2021 vintage shows remarkable structure and elegance, thanks to a long growing season with cool nights that preserved acidity and aromatic complexity. This wine opens with deep aromas of ripe blackberries, violets, and baking spices. On the palate, it’s layered and supple, showing juicy plum, dark cherry, and hints of mocha, all wrapped in fine tannins. Aged 6 to 8 months in a mix of French oak barrels (some new, some used), the wine is polished but never overdone.
Behind this wine lies a story of innovation and a relentless pursuit of quality. Nicolás Catena Zapata, Laura’s father, changed the Argentine wine industry by modernizing its winemaking and pushing into cooler, higher-altitude terrain—a decision that forever raised the bar. Inspired by California’s Napa Valley revolution, Catena transformed old-world tradition with new-world precision, laying the foundation for the wines we enjoy today.
More than just great farming and winemaking, the Catena success story is driven by scientific curiosity. Laura, a Harvard-trained biologist, founded the Catena Institute of Wine to study the effects of altitude and soil composition on wine quality. Their discoveries—particularly the nuanced differences in flavor and structure from vineyard to vineyard—have led to a deeper understanding of Mendoza’s complex terroirs. This Malbec is the distilled essence of all this research and history: high-elevation fruit, minimal intervention, and a focus on preserving the purity of site. At just 13.6% alcohol, it’s remarkably drinkable and food-friendly.
Argentina’s Bodega Catena Zapata has been named the #1 Most Admired Wine Brand in the World for 2025 by Drinks International Magazine—a well-earned accolade that reflects both global recognition and decades of dedication to excellence.
95pts Vinous
The 2021 Malbec Catena Alta comprises 70% sourced from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley and the remaining portion from Luján and Maipú. Aged for up to 18 months in French oak barrels, both new and used, this purple wine reveals aromas of plums and cherries alongside hints of lavender and violets, all atop a subtle cedar layer. Dry and juicy, the supple and velvety tannins are complemented by a nimble flow, resulting in a mildly structured red with a flavorful, lasting finish. If there is a key in Mendoza Malbec, meaning piecing together terroirs to enhance complexity, this bottle might be the example.
Winemaker Notes
Catena Alta Malbec shows a deep violet color, with blue reflections. The nose is elegant and complex with ripe red and black berry fruits, notes of violets and lavender and a touch of leather, spice and vanilla flavors. The palate is full and rich with soft and sweet tannins and a silky, smooth structure. Multiple layers of rich cassis, black currant and blackberries are interwoven with hints of licorice and black pepper. Its lengthy finish is marked by wonderful minerality, finely grained tannins and lively acidity.
