Catena Zapata Adrianna Fortuna Terrae Malbec 2019 (750ML)

98 JS / 97 WA / 96 WS / 95 VM / 17.5+ JR

The aromatics here really seduce you with their blackberry and dried-strawberry notes and undertones of wet earth, green tea, dried flowers, stones and dust. Full bodied, tight and very focused with similarly complex character on the palate. More muscle than many previous vintages of this. Extremely long and juicy. Needs at least four or five years to come together. Try after 2024.—James Suckling

The 2018 Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae comes from deeper soils with clay and limestone planted in 1992 in Gualtallary. The grapes were picked a little later in 2018, as they had higher yields, to achieve better acidity. It fermented with 50% full clusters in 225-liter oak barrels and 500-liter roll fermentors and matured in French oak barrels for 18 months. It reveals some austerity and subtle aromas, red and black fruit, some spice and a medium to full-bodied palate with good tension and some austerity, developing a shy note of thyme after some time in the glass. It's very balanced and tasty. 5,040 bottles were filled in October 2019.—Luiz Gutierrez, The Wine Advocate

A pure and minerally style, with concentrated dark cherry, currant and blackberry flavors that are backed by fresh acidity and lithe tannins. The fresh finish is powerfully elegant, lingering with rich spice and savory accents. Drink now through 2028. 2,000 cases made, 650 cases imported.—Kim Marcus\ The Wine Spectator

The 2019 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae is made with grapes from parcel 6 of the Adrianna Vineyard, Uco Valley, planted in Gualtallary at a height of 4,400 feet and aged for 18 months in new and second use French barrels. The pure, intense and precisely judged nose offers delicate fruit such as sweet and sour cherry alongside hints of lavender and violet and faint herbal aromas. It's relaxed and juicy on the palate with subtle, finely grained tannins and a little chalk. The finish is elongated by fruity flavors. The year helped with the nuanced freshness in this Malbec-Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous Media

Similar to the Mundus Bacillus Terrae but with a weightier structure. Black cherry and blackberry. Fresh, bright acid and a spicy, woody character. The structure is higher tannin than the Mundus Bacillus, fine and sandy, very textural. Spicy cinnamon and a minerally, ferrous quality to the finish.-Samantha Cole-Johnson, JancisRobinson