“Probably the most austere of the three Adrianna Vineyard Malbecs. The nose is immediately captivating, with a hint of white pepper that enhances the deep aromas of black and blue fruits. It has impressive depth and body, yet at the same time great freshness. The difference is most evident on the palate when compared to the Mundus Bacillus Terrae and Fortuna Terrae vintages. It features mineral tannins, slightly less full-bodied than those of the Mundus, but with more tension. Harmonious, taut, and long on the finish. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.” (James Suckling 2024)
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Eye
Deep, dark purple color with a brilliant sheen
Nose
Delightful, complex, and floral scents—fresh lavender and violet intertwine, then give way to soft notes of leather, wild berries, and plum—captivating and alluring
Palate
Beautifully balanced, with a silky texture and polished tannins; the fruit expresses great elegance: blackberries, raspberries, and blackcurrants blend with licorice and violet all the way through a vibrant, endless finish
Serve
At 16-18°C
Open
Decant 2 hours beforehand to bring out the best flavors
Drink starting at
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 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 lineup. It opens with a lively, open floral bouquet that foreshadows the mineral and stony tension that follows on the palate. On the palate, it displays a taut, lively, and delicately succulent texture, with a richness and power that are deceptive given 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 readers seeking, above all, nuance and minerality. 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 a former 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 unadulterated Malbec exhibits a chalky intensity and a refined, compact profile. It is well-defined and exhibits 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 immediately 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 great freshness. The difference is most evident on the palate when compared to the Mundus Bacillus Terrae and Fortuna Terrae vintages. It features mineral tannins, slightly less full-bodied than those of the Mundus, but with more tension. Harmonious, taut, and long on the finish. Best enjoyed starting in 2026.