The winter of 2003 was drier than normal, with very little snow in the Andean heights. Average temperatures throughout this season were slightly higher than normal due to high altitude “Zonda” winds, a warm dry wind of the Andes. Spring began with similar conditions: warmer than usual temperatures, low relative humidity, heightened sunlight intensity and some high altitude zonda winds. These conditions combined for a higher than usual demand for water. The vines experienced an excellent bud break, right on schedule from September to October depending on the varietal and vineyard site.

The flowering and fruit set were better than normal, with a very balanced crop dispelling the local wisdom that such warm and windy conditions usually lead to set difficulties. The rest of Spring and the beginning of Summer continued with higher than average temperatures with some light precipitation serving to relieve the demands for water. Veraison in general took place later than normal, around the middle to end of January depending on the varietal and the vineyard site.

ADRIANNA VINEYARD - Gualtallary, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 4757 ft elevation
Located in the Gualtallary district of the Tupungato region at an altitude of 1450m (4757 ft) above sea level. As in other areas in Mendoza, the average temperatures in this vineyard site throughout the month of February were warmer than usual. The first two weeks of March, however brought considerably cooler conditions, with average temperatures a full 1º C (1.8º F) lower than normal. These below average temperatures allowed the Chardonnay grapes to finish their ripening in excellent climatic conditions, resulting in concentrated pear and apple fruit flavors and aromas with strong mineral notes and excellent acidity. Nicolas Catena mentions that, “The 2004 vintage should bring our best Chardonnays to date, especially the Catena Alta Chardonnay which is sourced entirely from the Adrianna vineyard.”

With the index of sunlight intensity already at heightened levels in this vineyard due to its altitude, the 2004 vintage, with its drier than usual conditions and lower relative humidity, saw an increased effect of this phenomenon on the Malbec grapes in particular. There was a marked increase in the skin thickness and the corresponding enhancement in polyphenol and phytoaxelin levels.

LA PIRÁMIDE VINEYARD - Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, 3117 ft elevation
Located in the Agrelo district of the Lujan de Cuyo region at an altitude of 950m (3117 ft) above sea level. Similar climatic conditions to Angelica were present in La Pirámide as well, with warmer than usual temperatures in late February and early March threatening dehydration. Again careful irrigation and a light rain storm of 22 mm on March 9 & 10 reversed the process. Throughout March, however, the average temperature was only slightly above normal, about 0.5º C (1º F). The nights continued their very cool tendency in this vineyard as well, with the thermal amplitude increasing about 1.4º C (3.24º F). Nicolas Catena, who follows this vineyard very closely due to its traditional predominance in the Nicolas Catena Zapata blend, was very pleased with the performance in 2004. “The Cabernet Sauvignon from Lot 3 of the La Pirámide vineyard showed exceptional concentration and complexity in 2004. The very cold nights helped to lend an added level of balance to the grapes.”

DOMINGO VINEYARD - Villa Bastías, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 3675 ft elevation
Located in the Villa Bastías district of the Tupungato region at an altitude of 1120m (3675 ft) above sea level. Warmer than usual temperatures dominated throughout February, with daytime highs registering above normal temperatures in a sustained manner. Throughout the first days of March, the temperatures began to decrease rapidly. Indeed, the monthly average temperature for this important ripening period was only slightly higher than the historic norm. The nights during this period were also slightly warmer, with the average thermal amplitude closing the month at 10º C (50º F), some 3º C (5º F) lower than the norm. The Chardonnay harvest began on March 5 while the Cabernet Sauvignons were picked as of April 1. The lower temperatures in the first days of March resulted in Chardonnay fruit with fresh citrus and floral elements and bright acidity. The Cabernet Sauvignon grapes has very good concentration with the Mount Eden clone showing excellent performance with the added complexity of light notes of green pepper and eucalyptus.

The nose shows mango, banana and apple fruit flavors with hints of sweet spice and wet stone.

The 2004 vintage of the Catena Chardonnay offers the best of three high altitude vineyard sites. The La Pirámide vineyard produces tropical fruit flavors and aromas with a rich mouthfeel. The Domingo vineyard adds notes of citrus blossom and white peaches. The Adrianna vineyard provides pear and fig flavors with an excellent minerality and bright acidity. The mouthfeel is full yet clean, with pear and fig fruit flavors and finishing with fresh, crisp acidity.

The wine shows a greenish yellow color.