Bodega Catena Zapata : "Adrianna Mundus Bacillus Terrae" Malbec 2020

Fascinating nose of blue flowers, blueberries, sea shells, moss and lemon grass. It’s medium-bodied with ultra-fine, silky tannins. So fresh and elegant with bright, saline character. Still a little reserved. Try after 2024.

The 2020 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae hails from a small parcel of a vineyard in Gualtallary, Uco Valley and was barrel-aged for 18 months. Dark purple in the glass. The expressive, layered nose delivers notes of blackberry, plum, lavender and violet with a pinch of herbs. Intense and concentrated but agile in feel, the palate is taut, while the fine-grained, chalky tannins are enlivened by the acidity, which teases out the lovely ripe flavors toward the end. This is a substantial but juicy red, everything you’d want from a high altitude wine.