Catena Zapata, Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec, Mendoza 2016 (Imperial)

Saturated bright ruby. Aromas of blackberry, cassis and bitter chocolate are lifted by pungent wild thyme and crushed rock. Densely packed and hugely concentrated but much less expressive today than the 2016 Fortuna Terrae, with powerful chalky minerality giving definition and a sensation of weightlessness to the middle palate. Penetrating acidity (7 grams per liter) contributes to the wine's low-fat impression. Quite dry and youthfully forbidding today, this Malbec finishes with a very firm tannic spine and superb grip.

• Drinking Window: 2023 - 2031
• Reviewer Name: Stephen Tanzer
• Review Date: September 2019