Catena Zapata, Adrianna Vineyard, River Stones Malbec 2019
Product Information
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Grape Variety Malbec
Vintage 2019
ABV 13.8%
Premium Argentine Malbec from Uco Valley’s Iconic Terroir
The Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard River Stones Malbec 2019 stands among the most celebrated Malbecs in the world. Crafted from a unique parcel in the Adrianna Vineyard, once an ancient riverbed, this premium wine delivers striking minerality, luxurious depth and elegance, and world-class ageing potential.
Wine Snapshot
Vintage: 2019
Country: Argentina
Region: Mendoza, Uco Valley, Gualtallary District
Grape Variety: 100% Malbec
ABV: 13.8%
Price: £285 (3×75cl in bond)
Why This Malbec is Exceptional
Situated at 1,366 metres elevation, one of Argentina’s highest-quality Malbec sites, the River Stones parcel features alluvial soil studded with white calcium carbonate stones. These stones regulate heat and drainage, resulting in grapes with intense aromatics, fine structure, and pronounced minerality.
This wine is hand-harvested, undergoes cold maceration with 50% whole cluster inclusion, and is aged for 20 months in French oak barrels and large foudres, balancing oak complexity with fruit purity.
Professional Scores & Critic Tasting Notes
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate 99 points (Exceptional)
James Suckling 98 points
This vintage was described by Wine Advocate as a masterpiece of “power and elegance,” noting rare harmony and precise focus with “very fine, ripe tannins and a chalky finish.” Vinous praised its richness, aromatic complexity, and layering of fruit and herbs.
Tasting Notes
Aroma: Potent floral layers, violet, lavender, and violet leaf, blend with black plum, blueberry, herb, and subtle cedar.
Palate: Full-bodied and richly textured with ripe dark fruit, mineral undercurrent, integrated oak spice, and velvety tannins.
Finish: Long, chalky minerality with balancing freshness and spice.
Descriptor Keywords: floral, exuberant, smooth tannins, mineral, luxurious, focused.
Discover Other Vintages of River Stones Malbec
River Stones Malbec 2018
River Stones Malbec 2020
River Stones Malbec 2021
Food Pairing Recommendations
This Malbec’s structure and complexity makes it a superb match for:
• Grilled ribeye or sirloin steak
• Charred lamb chops with rosemary
• Aged Manchego or blue cheese
• Rich beef ragù or mushroom risotto
The interplay of fruit intensity and minerality elevates both hearty and refined dishes.
Cellaring & Serving Guidelines
Drink Window: 2026–2040+
Optimal Serving Temp: 16–18°C
Decant: 1–2 hours before serving
The 2019 vintage is drinkable now but rewards those who cellar it for 5–10+ years as tannins integrate further and tertiary aromas develop.
Winery Heritage
Catena Zapata is a pioneering Argentine estate founded in 1902. The Catena family’s high-altitude viticulture innovations helped put Malbec on the global wine stage. Today, the winery holds more 100-point scores than any other South American producer and continues researching terroir and historic grape clones.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What makes the River Stones Malbec unique?
A: The vineyard’s ancient riverbed soils, covered in heat-retaining white stones, create superior drainage, intense aromatics and distinctive minerality rarely found in Malbec.
Q: How long can this wine age?
A: With proper cellaring, this wine can age gracefully for 10–20+ years, developing deeper tertiary complexity.
Q: Is this wine suitable for a special occasion?
A: Yes, the 2019 River Stones Malbec is considered collector-worthy and ideal for milestone celebrations.
Q: How should it be stored?
A: Store in a cool, stable environment at ~12–14°C with moderate humidity and minimal light.
Discover our range of Catena Zapata wines.
Explore More Fine Wines
You may also enjoy:
• Other Malbec Wines
• Premium Mendoza Wines
Browse our Argentinian collection to discover your next cellar addition.
