Growing Conditions

90% Malbec, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon. The Malbec was sourced from the sandy, clay soil of Lot 18 in the 70 year old Angélica vineyard. The Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the lime, clay soil of Lot 3 in the La Pirámide vineyard. The 1996 growing season, described by some as the vintage of the century for the Malbec varietal, offered Nicolás Catena the opportunity to make the first Catena Alta Malbec. Very cool conditions predominated throughout February and March, with average temperatures as low as 18.6° C in the Angélica vineyard. This translated into a long, extended hang time in which the grapes could develop excellent levels of concentration and intense aromatics.

Food Pairing

This vintage can be enjoyed now and will continue to improve over the next 3 to 5 years.

Aging

12 months in 100% new French oak.