This is the latest stop on my exploration of Argentinian Malbec, of which so far I have been very impressed.

This is perhaps the most well known of the entry level AM's. Laura Catena selected the grapes for this wine.

You can tell as soon as the wine hits the tongue that it is very well made. The oaking has been done expertly. Not rough, yet not confected sweet vanilla. It adds something savoury, against the silky smooth fruit that gives great balance to the wine. This is perhaps the driest AM I have tried so far, but most of the others have been fruity, silky smooth and slightly sweet, so it is not overly dry. This has more subtle fruit than others, but is still delicious. Very enjoyable. Very nearly a star.

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tribs

Is this the Zapata range?

I had the '07, loved it, remember it being a touch on the sweet side. There's no substitute for a quality producer.

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Yep, Im still here.

No, Zapata is the premium range
Alta is the middle range
and this (Catena) is the entry level range.

There is a budget range Alamos which has TN for the malbec here

Zapata usually costs over £40

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tribs

Given the breadth, scale and quality selection of Catena wines, I have attached a link to their website. Stephen Tanzer is pretty impressed with their efforts. In summary - "There is no doubt in their pursuit of quality and in the management of terroir" Top producers for quality Chardonnay in Argentina he says, they aim to produce a burgundian style.

I have only read two of his reports on this producer

Bodega Catena homepage and their family of wines

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Duncan