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90% Cabernet Sauvignon sourced from the lime, clay soil of Lot 3 in the La Pirámide vineyard and 10% Malbec sourced from the sandy, clay soil of Lot 18 in the 70 year old Angélica vineyard. The 1997 growing season in La Pirámide was cooler than normal, with average temperatures in the ripening month of March only reaching 19.3° C. These cooler conditions offered more complex aromatics and in general a more elegant style. This vintage can be enjoyed now and will continue to improve over the next 5 to 7 years.
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The grapes for Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon come from a select block of La Pirámide vineyard, Catena's premier Cabernet Sauvignon vineyard. At more than 940m (3,100') elevation, the La Pirámide vineyard enjoys a continental climate of sunny days and cool nights, allowing for prolonged hang-time and crisp acidity in the grapes. The Catena Alta block has historically provided the most balanced and uniform yields. The carefully chosen vines undergo a detailed thinning process to leave only select, isolated clusters on the vines to ripen fully. The grapes are destemmed before undergoing fermentation and a long and thorough maceration. The new wine is then aged for a total of 24 months in 100% new Taransaud French oak. The result is an extremely concentrated Cabernet, with integrated tannins that will allow the wine to age well into the new Millennium. The 1996 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon has a deep ruby red color. The nose is filled with intensely concentrated stone fruit aromas, with nuances of vanilla, chocolate, and tobacco. The wine is full-bodied with excellent structure and complexity. The palate has ripe plum and wild berry flavors with accents of spice, chocolate, and tobacco. With round, vibrant tannins, this wine has a long, lingering finish. Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon will only be made in exceptional vintage years. No Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon was made in 1998. José Galante, Winemaker |
