Ernesto Catena Siesta Malbec 2012

Description

Ernesto Catena is the eldest son of Nicolás Catena of Catena Zapata, Argentina’s largest and most respected winemaking families.  Considered a ”bit of a rockstar” of modern Argentinian winemaking. His access to the finest old vine material (thanks to the catena empire has produced the goods),  Siesta wines are a tribute to the ancient Inca civilization and their respect for the land.  The Incas would often bury offerings to the land so that it would remain healthy and fertile.  Following this ancient tradition, every year they bury in the Vistaflores vineyard a few bottles of their best wines, hoping that while sleeping their endless “Siesta”, they will protect the vines, people and harvest.

Malbec fruit for this powerful, robust wine is sourced from several prime vineyards (high altitude vineyards at 40 yrs of age). Maturation 100% French Oak (25% new) to add a savoury dimension.

I now understand why the best restaurants in Buenos Aires clamour to list his wines! This is a rich wine balanced by taut, savoury tar & licorice characters. 2012 was a fantastic vintage – Ernesto reckons up there with the best due to one of the most favourable growing seasons in the last decade.  Great structure with pristine acidity and balance. Decant this wine so it opens out.. Si senor – this absolutely over delivers quality for the price.

90 points, Mike Bennie, The Wine Front “The grapes are grown at 1100 metres above sea level in the Uco Valley of Argentina. Biodynamic farming. Nicolas Catena’s son is behind this label (Nicolas is very well renowned in Argentine wine circles – a high priest of winemaking). Worth digging into this range if you like malbec.

Pepper over red/black berry fruits, some choc-mocha character, dense fog of scent which seems ripe, sweet, spicy. Mouthwatering, brisk in cherry-berry fruitiness, fine in tannin, lively in acidity. Really lovely feel, plush yet shows fringes in that supple pillow of fruit. Has a zest and verve for red wine. Great drinking.”

90 points, Stephen Tanzer, Vinous “Bright medium ruby. Very ripe and inviting aromas of crushed black raspberry, blackberry, violet, mocha, cocoa powder, licorice and menthol. Rich, plush and suave, displaying very good breadth and a fine-grained texture to the flavors of cassis, blackberry and licorice. Classically dry for all its ripeness of fruit. Finishes smooth and long, with harmonious tannins.(13.7% alcohol) (Feb 2015)”
RRP $43