2015 Bodega Catena Zapata D.V. Catena Tinto Historico Red Blend 750 ml

The Pinnacle of Value from 3,000 feet

Dual 93-point scores and three Argentinian vineyards above 3,000 feet — that’s what you need to know about the 2015 D.V. Catena Tinto Historico Red Blend. From the famed Uco Valley comes this high-altitude stunner, made all the more incredible by its under-$20 price tag. In his 93-point review, James Suckling called it “juicy and delicious,” with “a lovely texture and ripe fruit finish.” Tim Atkin MW matched Suckling’s score and his enthusiasm, calling the 2015 a “polished, stylishly oaked cuvée with violet and dark cherry fruit.” We call it one of the year’s top red bargains at $19.99 per bottle. Strongly  recommended by the case.

Bodega Catena Zapata was founded by Italian immigrant, Nicola Catena, who in 1902 planted the seeds for a revolution in Argentinian wine. Two generations later, Catena’s grandson, Nicolás Catena Zapata, would bring his grandfather’s dream to fruition, shrinking production and dedicating all his efforts to making wines that could compete on the world stage. As Jancis Robinson wrote, Nicolás is “justly credited with putting Argentinian wines on the world map—by the best expedient of focusing entirely on quality.” In 2009, Nicolás was recognized for his efforts with Decanter’s “Man of the Year” award, immortalizing him amongst a long list of the world’s great wine luminaries.

Catena’s brilliance and daring showed in his decision to plant several high-altitude vineyards, all above 3,000 feet, and one, the crown jewel Adrianna Vineyard, at almost 5,000 feet. Describing Adrianna Vineyard, Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate wrote, “words do not do justice to this beauty.” Fortunately, words don’t have to.

The 2015 Historico Red Blend was sourced from Adrianna Vineyard, as well as two other sites, Angelica and El Cepillo, both planted at over 3,000 feet in elevation. The magic and grandeur of these sites comes through in the glass in striking fashion. Malbec, Petit Verdot, and Bonarda ripened slowly over the course of a prolonged growing season — a product of high elevation — yield a stunning crimson wine, deeply concentrated, rich and ripe, with hints of chocolate and bramble.

The opportunity to taste sites like these for under-$20 is truly rare, especially from a legend like Catena. Secure your share now.

Jonathan Cristaldi

Editor-in-Chief, Wine Access