“Probably the most austere of the three Adrianna Vineyard Malbecs. The nose is already captivating, with a hint of white pepper that enhances the deep aromas of black and blue fruits. It has impressive depth and body, yet remains remarkably fresh. The difference is more evident on the palate when compared to the Mundus Bacillus Terrae and Fortuna Terrae vintages. Here we find mineral tannins, slightly less fleshy than those of the Mundus, but with more tension. Harmonious, taut, and long on the palate. Drink from 2026.” (James Suckling 2024)
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Eye
A deep, dark purple color with a brilliant sheen
Nose
Delicious, complex, and floral scents—fresh lavender and violet intertwine, giving way to soft notes of leather, wild berries, and plum—enchanting and seductive
Palate
Beautifully balanced, with a silky texture and polished tannins; the fruit is expressed with great elegance: blackberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants blend with licorice and violet all the way through to a vibrant, seemingly endless finish
Serve
At 16-18°C
Open
Decant 2 hours in advance to bring out the best flavors
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2045
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with a rib of beef, thin slices of Wagyu beef, or on its own to fully appreciate its subtle nuances…
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2025 guide) 98+/100
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
The 2022 Malbec River Adrianna Vineyard is undoubtedly the most ethereal, airy, and light wine in the Catena Zapata range. It opens with a lively, open floral bouquet that hints at the mineral and stony tension to come on the palate. On the palate, it displays a taut, lively, and delicately succulent texture, with a richness and power that belies its agile nature, extending into a persistent, long finish of unwavering concentration. It serves as a perfect counterpoint to the more robust Malbec Mundus Bacillus Terrae and will appeal to those seeking nuance and minerality above all else. 2025–2042
Jancis Robinson
Rated: Recommended
Vinous
Wine rated (2024 guide) 98/100
About the wine:
The 2022 Adrianna Vineyard River Malbec was aged for 21 months in French oak barrels. It comes from a vineyard plot that is characteristic of the terroir, planted in 1992 in Gualtallary, Tupungato, on an old riverbed. The aromas reveal notes of blackberry and ripe plum, with hints of grass, cherry, arugula, lavender, and sage, complemented by notes of black tea and herbs. This raw Malbec exhibits a chalky intensity and a fine, compact expression. It is well-defined and exhibits a reductive character, which makes it quite intriguing. This highly appealing, long-lasting high-altitude Malbec evokes the elegance of a Pinot Noir. 2025–2045
James Suckling
Wine rated (2024 guide) 99/100
Rated: Recommended
About the wine:
Probably the most austere of the three Adrianna Vineyard Malbecs. The nose is already captivating, with a hint of white pepper that enhances the deep aromas of black and blue fruits. It has impressive depth and body, yet retains a great deal of freshness. The difference is more evident on the palate when compared to the Mundus Bacillus Terrae and Fortuna Terrae vintages. It features mineral tannins, slightly less fleshy than those of the Mundus, but with more tension. Harmonious, taut, and long on the palate. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.
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