Catena Alta 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon is sourced from small, carefully selected estate-grown lots in two of the Catena family’s Andean vineyards: La Piramide vineyard (50%) and Domingo vineyard (50%).

The 2007 - 2008 growing season began with a warmer than usual Spring and early Summer. The conditions were also exceptionally dry. This caused the physiological ripening of sugars to accelerate but the phenological ripening of polyphenols to slow down. Veraison, as a result, was 7 - 10 days later than normal in most areas. In late January, some precipitation moved in which lowered temperatures and brought the physiological and phenological ripening processes back into synchronization.

The month of February saw rather unstable weather throughout the region, with some isolated thunder and hail storms. The isolated nature of the precipitation meant that each vineyard received several light to medium rains throughout the month.

This actually served to replace the normal irrigation regimes implemented in the Catena Zapata vineyards. The extremely low yields, combined with well drained soils, meant that there were very few sanitary issues throughout the winery's vineyards. March was characterized by lower precipitation than February and a continued drop in temperatures. As the grapes entered into the last month of ripening, the conditions were excellent for an outstanding vintage.

The month of April has been dry and very cool. The grapes still on the vine are developing very nicely and will be harvested in excellent sanitary conditions and with exceptional levels of concentration and complexity.

Very intense and concentrated wine. With aromas of ripe black fruits, hints of tobacco and vanilla from the French oak barrels.

The palate is full and rich with concentrated flavors of cassis and spicy notes. Tannins that gives structure, bright, and lively acidity.

Catena Alta 2008 Cabernet Sauvignon presents a dark, opaque violet color with blackish tones.

Aged for 18 months in French oak, 80% new.

LA PIRÁMIDE VINEYARD - Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza, 3117 ft elevation
A very violent hailstorm on February 14th destroyed the harvest in most of this vineyard. The top Cabernet Sauvignon lot, Lot III, was protected by hail netting and so was thankfully spared. The rest of March was similar to the conditions in Lunlunta, with no more precipitation and very cool temperatures. This last lot of Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested on April 14th.

DOMINGO VINEYARD - Villa Bastías, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza, 3675 ft elevation
There was considerably more precipitation in February than normal. However it was spaced out over 4 rains throughout the month. This replaced the winery's usual irrigation regime. In addition maintaining very low yields helped to keep healthy grape conditions. Temperatures lowered drastically throughout the month leading to very good quality Chardonnay and Pinot Noir. The Cabernet Sauvignon was in very good shape and was harvested on April 17th.