Catena Zapata Lujan de Cuyo White Clay 2020 (750ML)

92 VM / 92 JS / 90 WA

60% Semillón, 40% Chenin Blanc

Alcohol: 13.5%

Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catenas are recognized for ther pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture in Argentina. Luján de Cuyo Appellation is known for its clay-rich soils and cool nights. Deeply aromatic with expressive citrus and peach with a rich and mineral finish. Pairs well with vegetables, pasta and grilled white meats. This blend of Semillon and Chenin Blanc is Argentina’s century-old traditional white wine.

The 2020 Catena Appellation White Clay Lujan de Cuyo is a blend of 60% Sémillon and 40% Chenin Blanc from Luján de Cuyo that spent up to eight months in French barrels. Yellow with a golden sheen. The nose is dominated by white flowers, honey and the aging process. In the mouth, this is voluminous with mild freshness and a creamy, compact, terse feel followed by a long, oaky finish.-- Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous Media

This has aromas of sliced apples, lemons, white pears, blanched almonds, yoghurt and chalk. It’s medium-to full-bodied with a round, creamy and layered palate. Excellent concentration and focus. Mineral finish. Semillon and chenin blanc. Sustainable. Drink now or hold.—James Suckling

The white blend 2020 Appellation Luján de Cuyo White Clay was produced with 60% Semillon and 40% Chenin Blanc from white clay soils, as the name points out. The grapes were harvested quite early and then fermented in stainless steel, managing to keep the alcohol to 13.5% in this warm and dry year. It's balsamic and medicinal, with notes of yellow fruit and some spicy smokiness, as 35% of the wine matured in new barrels for seven to eight months. It's soft and creamy without excess, combining volume and tasty flavors and a bitter twist in the finish. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2020.-- Luis Gutiérrez, The Wine Advocate