2017 Catena Zapata Malbec Fortuna Terrae Adrianna Vineyard

I felt more austerity and better balance in the 2017 Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae compared with the wines from warmer years; it feels harmonious and very integrated. There is some citrus freshness in the nose, remarkable for the conditions of the year. The palate shows even more serious than the nose, with chalky minerality and a drying sensation that adds to the grip, giving it a profile that I like very much, making it feel like a superb year for this bottling. This is really very good this year, and the acidity is very integrated. In fact, the wine is very balanced and compact, with all the ingredients greatly integrated. 5,400 bottles were filled in October 2018.

Bright saturated ruby. Much tighter on the nose than its 2016 sibling, hinting at blackberry, dark chocolate and minerals. Intensely flavored but youthfully clenched; more compressed and serious than the 2016 but not yet showing the personality of that wine. Aeration brought some sexy medicinal high tones and an emerging violet florality, with the firmly tannic finish displaying outstanding grip. "We call 2016 our Burgundy year for its light touch and floral character, while 2017 is more classic Argentina," noted Laura Catena, which means that this wine is likely to need more time to reveal its full aromatic potential.

A dense and layered red with fantastic, soft and silky tannins that entice every inch of your palate. Full-bodied yet agile and energetic. Great depth and richness. So much violet and blackberry character. Hints of asphalt. Drink in 2022, but already a classic.