Appy Friday indeed for lovers of world-class Malbec!

Ahem, as Wine Advocate recently confessed, “It is difficult to avoid hyperbole when discussing the Catena family’s impact on Argentine wine.”

Here’s that special occasion treat from Catena that only a select few Ops like your discerning self, will get to see.

Again per Wine Advocate “when all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference - the standard of excellence for comparing all others.” The Parcelas series is the epitome of that.

Fortuna Terrae, Latin for ‘luck of the land’ of deep, loamy soils with an unusually rich concentration of limestone, comes from a parcel right next door to the ‘River’ plot, presenting higher, more elegantly pitched notes than its deeper, more baritone neighboring plot within the famed Adrianna Vineyard. Per Dr. Catena’s notes “the deep loamy soils are home to many varieties of native grasses which prevent erosion and attract beneficial insects, singing birds and mountain foxes.” Together, they sing an aria that redefines the potential of Malbec. This is for the connoisseur, with only 150 cases imported.

We are fortunate to have a couple of those to offer - at the best price you’ll find anywhere.

98 Points – James Suckling “A beautifully mineral red with impeccable purity. Wet stones, red cherries and a hint of flowers and spice. Really chalky tannins with a bone-dry palate and a long, transparent finish. A combination of power and etherealness, creating perfect harmony. 100% whole bunch. Drink or hold.”

98 Points – Descorchados “Fresh years like 2021 tend to accentuate the fresh and fruity character of the Fortuna Malbec. This vintage offers a lovely layer of tart red fruits, but it also has the floral notes and, indeed, the herbal touches that are characteristic of Gualtallary. The palate is tense and full of tannins that give the textural sensation of chalk as well as energetic and vibrant acidity in a wine that seems to actually crunch in the mouth. This Fortuna Terrae comes from five hectares planted in the Adrianna Vineyard around the mid-1990s in Gualtallary, in the north of the Uco Valley. It’s a deep, sandy loam soil that has a layer of calcium carbonate toward the bottom, where the roots reach and deliver that classic chalky texture to the wine. This is the first time that Fortuna was not aged in oak - just in cement tanks.”

97 Points – Antonio Galloni’s Vinous “The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Fortuna Terrae is sourced from a small plot situated in Gualtallary, featuring a soil prole with a depth of one meter. It underwent a meticulous 16-month aging process in foudres and concrete vats and exhibits a dark purple hue. The nose presents enticing lavender, mint, mountain herbs, orange peel and curry aromas layered over a foundation of dried flowers. The palate offers a compelling combination of dryness and juiciness. The rich and taut mouthfeel imparts a vibrant energy that flows into a compact yet delicately lingering finish. A unique and flavorful Malbec, it marries a primary style with a terroir-driven conceptual approach. Drink 2025-2040.”