CATENA Malbec 'Appellation La Consulta' 2019 Bottle - SUS (losn)

Description

Catena Malbec "Appellation La Consulta" 2019 captures the cool high altitude expression of Malbec from La Consulta in the Uco Valley, showing a harmonious blend of concentration, mineral clarity and structural finesse. The wine pours a deep ruby with garnet edges, signalling both ripeness and an elegant mid palate lift. On the nose it opens with intense black cherry, brambly blackberry and a bright core of wild blueberry, while floral notes of violet petal and dried lavender lend an aromatic lift. Secondary aromas of cocoa nib, pressed graphite and a whisper of smoked meat provide savoury depth, and a saline, crushed stone minerality points to the shallow limestone and alluvial terraces of its vineyard origin.

The 2019 vintage in Mendoza was marked by a warm growing season tempered by cool nights, especially at altitude, which helped preserve acidity and aromatic intensity while allowing full phenolic ripeness. A relatively dry spring reduced vigour and yields, concentrating flavours in the fruit and contributing to the wine's focused structure and persistence. These seasonal conditions are evident here in the wine's ripe fruit profile that remains energetic and precise.

The palate is medium plus in weight, offering a sleek, polished texture and fine grained tannins that frame concentrated dark fruit, blackcurrant, plum and ripe blackberry, without overwhelming freshness. As the wine unfolds it reveals layers of baking spice, white pepper, clove and a discreet dark chocolate bitterness that sharpens definition and keeps the profile taut. Bright cool climate acidity provides energy and precision, pulling the flavours through to a long, stony finish. A persistent mineral thread, stony and slightly iron tinged, adds tension and length, giving the wine a sense of place and lift that balances its generous fruit.

Made from low yielding old vines planted on terraces of shallow limestone at altitude, and matured with careful use of French oak, the 2019 is approachable now with decanting but will reward patient cellaring and ageing. Drink 2026 to 2036, peaking 2028 to 2034. It pairs superbly with grilled lamb, peppercorn crusted steak, roasted mushrooms and aged Manchego.

JAMES SUCKLING 93 points
Aromas of flowers and blueberries follow through to a full-bodied yet tight palate with fine, creamy tannins. Very refined and polished. Drink now.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 92 points
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
The 2019 Appellation La Consulta Malbec feels primary and fruit-driven, quite faithful to the variety and vintage, with good freshness and moderate alcohol. It was juicy, with some of the chalky texture of the stony soils. 90,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in April 2020.