There’s only one undisputed pioneer of Argentinian collectible fine wine.

Bodega Catena Zapata.

And this, one of their flagship Malbecs just might be the greatest of all in the world. It towers above the simpler, one-dimensional offerings. Crushes top Cabernet, pummeling many a First Growth into submission.

Of course, this reserve bottling gains the respect it deserves among the pros, too - 97 points James Suckling, along with a 95 from the Wine Advocate. Oh yes, this is SERIOUS stuff alright.

JUST L@@K AT THAT LABEL!

(Make sure you secure what you need before you read up on it here.)

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous calls Argentino “a knockout” because “this bottling represents the best 12 barrels from a high-altitude planting of vines more than 70 years old.”

Thanks to our tight relationship with Catena, we managed to get a tiny allocation, and if you’re among the lucky ones reading this it’s yours at the world’s lowest price by a WIDE margin.

Multidimensional, ripe, and round, completely saturating, teeth staining. The complexity and power come in part from the 90-year-old vines in the Angelica vineyard in the Uco Valley. Deep impenetrable purple in the glass, the aromas of blueberries, dried plums, black currants, and exotic woods unleash in a frenzy upon pouring. That carries straight onto the palate where the candied cherries, dried plums, licorice, spices, violets, and vanilla bean all mingle together. A small addition of Semillon gives it further depth, adding some fascinating peachy and floral characteristics, too. We could go on and on, but the bottom line is that this is as good as they come and will only improve over the next 5-10 years.

Take it from the Wine Advocate again: “When all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference – the standard of excellence for comparing all others.”

Got a few openings left in a Locker? Snag a bottle or two of this and save it for a special occasion.

You’re worth it!

97 Points – James Suckling

“This is a really contrastive, rich and energetic malbec with crushed berries, as well as peaches and orange peel. Full body and soft tannins, yet always fresh and vivid. A little Semillon in this from the blend plantings. Drink or hold.”

95 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate

“I had two very good vintages to compare of the Malbec Argentino, of which the 2018 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino feels a tad riper than the 2019. There is a little more of Angelica in this blend, as it mixes grapes from different places in Mendoza that fermented with long macerations and some 30% full clusters and matured in 500-liter oak barrels. Despite everything, it has contained ripeness, a medium to full body with moderate alcohol and good freshness. This is a little more opulent than the wines from Gualtallary, a little more powerful. Drink 2021-2030.”