2002 Catena Alta Malbec
Wine Description

Fact Sheet

A quintessential example of microclimate blending this wine is 100% Malbec sourced from the following vineyard lots: the sandy, clay soils in Lot 18 of the Angélica vineyard; the lime, clay soils in Lot 4 of the La Pirámide vineyard; the sandy soils in Lot 2 of the La Consulta vineyard; and the sandy soils of Lot 3 & 9 of the Adrianna vineyard. Cooler than normal temperatures in the Angélica & La Pirámide vineyards offered fruit with rich fruit aromatics and soft textures. Slightly warmer temperatures in Adrianna & La Consulta meant deep blackish purple color, wonderful cassis and floral aromatics and well structured tannins. This vintage should be enjoyed in 5 to 7 years and will continue to improve over the following 12 years.

 

2002 Catena Alta Malbec label

Name: Catena Alta
Varietal: 100 % Malbec
Vintage: 2002
Vineyards: Lot 18, Angélica Vineyard, Lunlunta district, 2,850’ elevation
Lot 4, La Pirámide Vineyard, Agrelo district, 3,100’ elevation
Lot 1, Altamira Vineyard, Altamira district, 3,870’ elevation
Lot 3, Adrianna Vineyard, Gualtallary district, 4,609’ elevation
Lot 9, Adrianna Vineyard, Gualtallary district, 4,478’ elevation
Harvest Date: March 15 – April 8, 2002
Fermentation: Max. Temp. 27° C for a 14 day fermentation and 28 day maceration.
Aging: 12 months in French oak, 50% new
Alcohol: 14.1% vol
Acidity/pH: 5.92/3.56

 

Winemaker's Notes

The 2002 Catena Alta Malbec is the quintessential example of a Malbec microclimate blend. The Angelica vineyard offers ripe plum flavors with a full, yet soft mouthfeel. The La Pirámide vineyard lends delicate rose petal aromatics and spicy black pepper notes. The Altamira vineyard contributes concentrated black cherry fruit and additional structure. Lot 3 of the Adrianna vineyard presents explosive floral aromatics and finely grained tannins while Lot 9 from this vineyard adds a deep, blackish - purple color, concentrated cassis fruit and a lengthy finish. The blend of these five distinct Malbec lots allows for heightened complexity in the final wine.

José Galante, Winemaker