Quite good at 9 years old. Dark fruit overlaid with still firm acidity and dusty tannins. Flavors of prunes, charcoal, a little anise. I had this wine years ago and thought it rustic, maybe benefitted from aging?
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Kraeftiges Purpurrot. Blaubeeren und schwarze Kirschen als prachtvolles Bouquet in der Nase, ergaenzt durch einen Hauch Orangenzeste. Am Gaumen die typisch beerig-wuerzigen Malbec-Aromen zeigen sich
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Still going strong, seems best after an hour decant and drink for next 1.5 hours. After which you'll lose a bit of fruit. Got plenty of acidity left, tannin are integrated.
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Very nice now, definitely not too old yet. A fair amount of dark berry fruit complements then modest tannins and acid. Better than I remember it. Very good quality to price.
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This one surprised me - I thought it would be getting too old, but like smcisaac says, "A few years in the bottle have resolved this wine wonderfully". It is drinking better than it did a few years ago and has at least a few more years in it. I'm sad that is was the last bottle of my half case.
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Elegant balance, silky smooth tannins. A few years in the bottle have resolved this wine wonderfully. The perfect companion to a grilled New York strip steak. I only bought one bottle but I wish I had bought a case!
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Nose: Clean nose with a Medium+ intensity. This wine is developing.
Dried plums and cherries on the nose, with a strong minerality running throughout; something like crushed stones. There is a slight meatiness to the wine.
Palate: Dry Medium+ acidity Pronounced tannins Medium+ alcohol Medium+ intensity Medium+ body Long finish
Mineral, elegant and floral; what a time. Great intensity of flavours, smooth tannins and a minerality that sets it apart from all other wines in the range.
Outstanding quality Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Can be drank now but will develop well over the next decade. Not sure on price so cannot comment on QPR.
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PnP, cool, 2 hour decant. Clear, deep dark purple. Med/Intense nose of proper fruit. Drank better than expected. Great balance/integration, smooth, no rough edges, clean, long sharp/tart finish. Good wine with BarBQ ribs. Nothing off. Gift.
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Moderate nose of anise, roasted fruits, some mocha, with similar flavors on the palate. The wine is medium-full bodied, has a solid mid palate and an initial sense of lushness that gives way to some moderate drying tannins on the finish. Not profound and not likely to improve, but this remains a solid, dependable QPR malbec year-in and year-out.
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O velho Catena Malbec! Mais equilibrado e digno de envelhecimento que a maioria dos seus "hermanos", sobretudo em sua faixa de preço. Tem moderados 13,5% de álcool bem inseridos,bem como, uma madeira consideravelmente contida e, uma fruta que se mostrou densa, mas não super extraída.. Os aromas lembram ameixas, violetas e pimenta.. Encorpado, com sabor de frutas escuras, mas não pesado, tendo boa acidez, com um decente senso de equilíbrio. Ainda um pouco jovem! Evoluirá e durará até meados da próxima década.
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Opaque brick red, medium legs. Intense fruity, woody, chocolaty nose. Full body, silky texture, soft tannins, good acidity, definite but not excessive heat, long palate. Herby, fruity, almond, blackberry, alcohol. Delicious, my idea of red wine.
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Very plummy nose with other aromas of cherry, earth, boysenberry and a touch of spice. More plum on the palate with flavors of blackberry, currant and a touch of iron. Truely an unbelievable value for the quality.
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decanted for one hour. deep dark garnet, purple hue, slight purple rim. moderate nose, a little closed: dark fruits, blackberry and plum. clear varietal characters, some coco and cigar, medium/full bodied, heavy oaked, medium grained tannins, a little sweet and cream in finish.
very nice food wine, wait for couple of hours, oak flavour eased, fruity flavour still lasting, juicy and savoury, and dark chocolate emerged. some earth and mushroom. what a passionate, seductive Argentina Malbec!
Bottle at Joni's. Solid wine, not really my style preference- big and bold- but can be forgiven for countering with tons of depth and character. Concentrated flavor. Pours dark garnet, nice legs. Intense, jammy and spicy upfront- cherry and blackberry dominate. Coffee and spice in the middle. Nice smoky and earthy flavors at the end. Definite tannins on the finish, but still drinks smoothly. Full bodied. Big, big wine.
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Black raspberry and asphalt on the nose, with primary flavors of plum and black raspberry on the palate. Tar, spice, and a skosh of earth provide lift, and dusty tannins dominate the finish. Sufficiently complex, and should be even better in another year or two.
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Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for one hour. Nose of blackberry, cherry, vanilla and spice. A rich, black fruit core integrated with coffee, dried herbs and firm tannins on the palate leads to a medium to long finish. Full bodied with a smooth texture. Paired with baked four cheese pasta.
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Followed over 3 days. First day, fairly strong blueberry and blackberry with brambly wood spice on a fairly good acidic backbone, finishing with strong, bitter tannins. Similar on day 2 but more prominent fruit flavors, almost candy-like sweet blueberries and cherry notes hitting the tip of the tongue before a strong wave of dark chocolate laden tannins hit the back. Day 3, changed to plums, black liquorice and some cassis finishing with strong, somewhat overpowering mocha flavors on smoothed over tannins.
Felt like the wine didn't fully come together in a harmonious fashion for me at any stage, although the evolution of the wine was interesting to track. Perhaps cellaring for 2-3+ years would help this along, as there is plenty of structure for this wine to last a while.
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some nice multiple layers of velvet, but the typical muscular harsh raw structure that is typical of malbec. some nice hints of complexity, but also not as three dimensional as one would like.
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We consumed this evening and I was comparing this with a 2008 Cuvelier Grand Vin that was consumed the evening prior to the Catena. The Cuvelier absolutely blows away the Catena in every context: color, aroma, palate, finish, acidity, and tannins. Because the Cuvelier destroys the Catena in every element, all I can say is the Catena is a very basic, straightforward, and simple wine.
I still think this is a very average Malbec that is not a good value compared with other offerings that are available.
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Decanted for 45 minutes. Is very recommended to let this wine breath a little before start drinking. Really revealed a whole new complexity. Very nice and involving malbec. Vivid ruby red. Thin legs. First chocolate coffe with huge strawberry aroma. Black pepper as well. After a while ripe cherry along with a refreshing mineral feel. The wine is a bit nervous, varying from this good complexity to some over alcoholic and sour scents. But thats just a brief feel. Medium full body, creamy, comes in with bitter chocolate mixed with strawberry and cherry, more like in a cake way. Happy to get the present tanins, or else this would be too much. Finishes medium, bitter, with chocolate and toasted coffee palate. At the end of every glass this wine loses its balance a bit, gets citric, but it does not compromise. Very distinct, powerful wine in a winter, luxurious style.
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3 Malbecs from 3 Different Regions for Memorial Day (Home): Amazing how different the 3 noses on the 3 wines are. The Catena is the most forward of the 3 wines. Aromas of dark cherry, kirsch liquor, plum and smoke jump out of the glass. Again a very dark wine, almost black in color. The palate is again very forward with flavors of dark cherry, plum, kirsch liquor and a mineral note on the finish. This had the longest finish of the 3 wines as well, going on for about 25-30 seconds. Outstanding quality for the money.
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dark, inky appearance with a ruby rim, smoke, violets and blueberry scents, the fruit remains fresh in the mouth highlighting blackberry, raspberry, floral and ripe red cherry notes, refreshing mountain acidity, the dark fruit lingers on the finish, there is an uplifting quality to this malbec which makes it good with food, excellent with sausage, also great with chili
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Lots of sweet oak on the nose and palate. Lighter in body than one might think, not nearly as dark malbec as I remember. Nails the $20 price point although one wishes they could be just a bit friendlier on the supply chain side of things.
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The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like black currant (cassis), prune, raisin and coffee. It tastes like blackberry, black currant (cassis) and medium toast. The body is medium. The wine has round texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
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Opaque. Mineral and blackberry nose. Soft and plush on the palate which makes it an easy drinker but with enough acidity in the finish to keep it lively. Plum and blackberry flavor. More soothing than complex. I like it especially given the price.
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No notes taken. Dark ruby-purple. Developing aromas off black fruits, leather. Dry, medium - medium(-) acidity, low - medium(-) tannin, medium alcohol @13.5% abv. Mouthful of black fruit flavors and pepper. Rich texture, long pluche finish. Very enjoyable and would buy more.
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Solid, representative Malbec from the hints of cocoa and coffee on the nose, to a medium weight body with generous fruit, to abundant silky tannins that glide over the sides of the tongue. Of course, a perfect pairing with grilled meats.
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- Ruby color and aromas of black currant. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of tobacco, black currant, raspberry, prune and black pepper with a medium body with a medium finish.
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Later on Day 1. Spiced dark red fruit. Aromatic and candied herb and violet aromas. Herb cream and a touch of vanilla. Drinking great. An different take on dry-old-time-root-beer-style drink, you know.
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This Malbec had a deep purple color. Initially, the heat from it's alcohol overwhelmed the nose. Over time, as this dissipated, earthy funk and dark fruit emanated. It tasted of plum, cherries, dark fruit, herbs, and minerals. The wine was complex, medium bodied, and ended with gritty tannins. Overall, this Costco wine is a vey good value. I will purchase more.
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I don't know what it is about Argentinian malbecs; they just don't appeal much to me. To be sure, this wine is complex and interesting, with jammy plum and cherry, mocha, cinnamon, vanilla, stewed beans, and funk. Yet to me, it seems ponderous and not particularly tasty. Like Hungarian food.
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On the nose this was giving up muted notes of raspberry and vanilla. Not terribly complex on the palate, with raspberry and black cherry. Fairly straightforward fruit with more acidity than expected for a Malbec. Overrated for the price.
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Malbec is not my thing...but this one caught my attention. Among the best combination of quality and QPR Malbec bottlings I have ever tasted. Layered dark berry fruits on the bouquet and palate. The wine shows depth and nuance uncommon to $20 Malbec. Great dusty minerality! Expert oak treatment that enhances the wine instead of overpowering it.
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Haven't had a Catena malbec in a long time. Funny that way, there is something to Catena. More blue fruit but with lively back bone and mineral. A classy, and certainly the classiest of the Malbec set I am having. Wonder if Tilia holds true to the comparison.
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Wow! Decanted. This Malbec remained consistently good throughout the evening. Great intensity with balance and structure. Nice fruit, appropriate tannins. Delicious! Deep purple.
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I bought 4 bottles of this wine for Thanksgiving since we have a tendency to go through quite a few bottles despite the fact some don't even like wine and after several bottles the importance of quality slips. This isn't a terrible wine at all and taste like a fairly well made Malbec although I should warn all that popping and pouring is a mistake. On the second night, the wine featured more blueberry and milk chocolate than the night prior. This medium to full bodied effort should appease the masses and drinks quite a bit like a crowd pleasing merlot. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
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Drinking surprisingly well for such a young wine. Needs a few years to straighten out the loose ends, but still very complex, flavorful and well rounded. This is one to stock up on.
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Blind at Paul's: Opaque purple-ruby; pink rim; ripe red, black fruits, black cherry, blackberry, plum, cocoa, violets, asphalt, cinammon and clove, caramel; new French, bitter cocoa, stony minerals, high alcohol. This was quite obvious to everyone.
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For an everyday drinker this is really nice. Great price point and great overall malbec. Nice big red fruit. Really well balanced and nice acidity. Tannins are what I would expect from a malbec and I wish they carried a bit more weight. Soft and really a finesse type of wine. Nice overall finish and for the price it is really nice.
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Purple, rush of plums and blackberries in the nose and initial flavors. Soft tannins but well structured. I think this is the standard against which moderate priced malbecs are compared.
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- Purple color and aromas of strawberry jam. It's balanced and has flavours of strawberry jam, blackberry and black pepper with a medium body. Round texture with a medium finish.
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- Purple color and aromas of blackberry. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of blackberry and cherry with a medium body. Round texture with a medium finish - Nice wine -
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Sunday Brown Bag Tasting: Malbec (current releases) (Augie's): Bright garnet color. A bit reticent at first, this took some time to open. Notes of vanilla and red fruit, developing a nice earthy undertone with time. Bright red fruit flavors on the palate, with hints of spice and vanilla on the finish. Turns a bit hot/boozy as it sat. 88+ pts.
My #4, Domino's #2 Group #2, 30 pts
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Ripe and concentrated with sweet blackberries and reduced plums followed by spices, mocha, loam and hints of fresh violets. The full, plush texture is nicely polished with no hard edges as it glides effortlessly into the long, mouth-coating finish
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Argentina/Catena Zapata visit, etc; 4/9/2013-4/12/2013: A little more expensive than the classic bottling. This site is a little cooler than Vista Flores. Bigger rocks in the soil. much more floral on the nose. Less rustic, a brighter style with more finesse.
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9/8/2021 - Winokdub wrote: 89 Points
Quite a nice wine. Soft and velvety. Still some fruit showing. Just not very complex or layered but definatrly smooth and great with food.
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4/27/2021 - dac2849 Does not like this wine:
Beyond its life span. Wet dog/cardboard.
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9/30/2020 - Tomportwine Likes this wine: 89 Points
Quite good at 9 years old. Dark fruit overlaid with still firm acidity and dusty tannins. Flavors of prunes, charcoal, a little anise. I had this wine years ago and thought it rustic, maybe benefitted from aging?
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1/15/2019 - Smartrock wrote:
Kraeftiges Purpurrot. Blaubeeren und schwarze Kirschen als prachtvolles Bouquet in der Nase, ergaenzt durch einen Hauch Orangenzeste. Am Gaumen die typisch beerig-wuerzigen Malbec-Aromen zeigen sich
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12/8/2018 - bboard wrote:
Still going strong, seems best after an hour decant and drink for next 1.5 hours. After which you'll lose a bit of fruit. Got plenty of acidity left, tannin are integrated.
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8/26/2018 - mac-eye Likes this wine: 91 Points
Very nice now, definitely not too old yet. A fair amount of dark berry fruit complements then modest tannins and acid. Better than I remember it. Very good quality to price.
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4/28/2018 - bottledpoetry Likes this wine: 88 Points
This one surprised me - I thought it would be getting too old, but like smcisaac says, "A few years in the bottle have resolved this wine wonderfully". It is drinking better than it did a few years ago and has at least a few more years in it. I'm sad that is was the last bottle of my half case.
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10/4/2017 - smcisaac Likes this wine: 93 Points
Elegant balance, silky smooth tannins. A few years in the bottle have resolved this wine wonderfully. The perfect companion to a grilled New York strip steak. I only bought one bottle but I wish I had bought a case!
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9/20/2017 - kreuter wrote:
Good/Very Good
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8/12/2017 - StlCellars Likes this wine:
Have had this in a cold cellar since 1-2014 and it's drinking very well!!
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4/25/2017 - F&JCELLARS Likes this wine: 89 Points
The wine is showing perfectly. Well balanced and smooth with a great medium lush finish. Perfect sipping wine.
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3/21/2017 - millerarner Likes this wine: 90 Points
Good structure. Was quite surprised when I saw the price.
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10/18/2016 - Paperjockey Likes this wine:
Good Malbec purchased from Costco
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2/23/2016 - Kayecheg wrote:
Dry, oaky, but no finish. Quite thin.
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2/14/2016 - Teperh Likes this wine:
..
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1/22/2016 - WineCuentista wrote: 93 Points
Appearance: Clear wine with a deep purple colour.
Nose: Clean nose with a Medium+ intensity. This wine is developing.
Dried plums and cherries on the nose, with a strong minerality running throughout; something like crushed stones. There is a slight meatiness to the wine.
Palate:
Dry
Medium+ acidity
Pronounced tannins
Medium+ alcohol
Medium+ intensity
Medium+ body
Long finish
Mineral, elegant and floral; what a time. Great intensity of flavours, smooth tannins and a minerality that sets it apart from all other wines in the range.
Outstanding quality Malbec from Mendoza, Argentina. Can be drank now but will develop well over the next decade. Not sure on price so cannot comment on QPR.
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12/23/2015 - Rkgreen5 wrote: 80 Points
Losing what it had. Was a great value in 2011, but the aging faded it. If you have it in your cellar you should drink now.
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11/8/2015 - Blcmdpa@gmail.com wrote: 90 Points
dry and structured, no fruit bomb here....waiting to see it open
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9/24/2015 - Barry Notes Likes this wine: 88 Points
PnP, cool, 2 hour decant. Clear, deep dark purple. Med/Intense nose of proper fruit. Drank better than expected. Great balance/integration, smooth, no rough edges, clean, long sharp/tart finish. Good wine with BarBQ ribs. Nothing off. Gift.
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9/9/2015 - twfwinedude Likes this wine:
My wife's eyes always light up when I bring a bottle of Catena Malbec from the cellar.
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7/21/2015 - ParisWino Likes this wine: 88 Points
Moderate nose of anise, roasted fruits, some mocha, with similar flavors on the palate. The wine is medium-full bodied, has a solid mid palate and an initial sense of lushness that gives way to some moderate drying tannins on the finish. Not profound and not likely to improve, but this remains a solid, dependable QPR malbec year-in and year-out.
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6/24/2015 - mschede wrote: 87 Points
O velho Catena Malbec! Mais equilibrado e digno de envelhecimento que a maioria dos seus "hermanos", sobretudo em sua faixa de preço. Tem moderados 13,5% de álcool bem inseridos,bem como, uma madeira consideravelmente contida e, uma fruta que se mostrou densa, mas não super extraída.. Os aromas lembram ameixas, violetas e pimenta.. Encorpado, com sabor de frutas escuras, mas não pesado, tendo boa acidez, com um decente senso de equilíbrio. Ainda um pouco jovem! Evoluirá e durará até meados da próxima década.
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6/20/2015 - Bebum wrote: 91 Points
Opaque brick red, medium legs.
Intense fruity, woody, chocolaty nose.
Full body, silky texture, soft tannins, good acidity, definite but not excessive heat, long palate.
Herby, fruity, almond, blackberry, alcohol.
Delicious, my idea of red wine.
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3/25/2015 - Barrygloec Likes this wine: 91 Points
I like this Malbec and the Catena Cabernet Sauvignon
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1/7/2015 - cliffkol wrote: 82 Points
First Wednesday Wine Group (Coral Gables, FL): Bad bottle? overly acidic, disjointed. Not pleasant
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12/29/2014 - ThSchoepke Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice Malbec with the right balance of tannins and acidity and a hint of spice.
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12/28/2014 - slywka7 wrote: 92 Points
Very plummy nose with other aromas of cherry, earth, boysenberry and a touch of spice. More plum on the palate with flavors of blackberry, currant and a touch of iron. Truely an unbelievable value for the quality.
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12/26/2014 - evanqian wrote: 91 Points
decanted for one hour. deep dark garnet, purple hue, slight purple rim. moderate nose, a little closed: dark fruits, blackberry and plum. clear varietal characters, some coco and cigar, medium/full bodied, heavy oaked, medium grained tannins, a little sweet and cream in finish.
very nice food wine, wait for couple of hours, oak flavour eased, fruity flavour still lasting, juicy and savoury, and dark chocolate emerged. some earth and mushroom. what a passionate, seductive Argentina Malbec!
Alc 13.5%, TA 5.55 g/L, pH 3.72
WS 91
Ap: 5/5; Ar: 12/15; Palate: 17/20; Overall: 4+3/10
TOTAL: 91+/100
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12/25/2014 - sp4388 Likes this wine: 86 Points
Purple grape juice, rocks, and herbs. Doesn't have quite enough fruit to match the acid and tannin. Short finish. Just ok.
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11/25/2014 - catmccon Likes this wine: 87 Points
Bottle at Joni's. Solid wine, not really my style preference- big and bold- but can be forgiven for countering with tons of depth and character. Concentrated flavor. Pours dark garnet, nice legs. Intense, jammy and spicy upfront- cherry and blackberry dominate. Coffee and spice in the middle. Nice smoky and earthy flavors at the end. Definite tannins on the finish, but still drinks smoothly. Full bodied. Big, big wine.
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11/21/2014 - ziavino wrote: 90 Points
Black raspberry and asphalt on the nose, with primary flavors of plum and black raspberry on the palate. Tar, spice, and a skosh of earth provide lift, and dusty tannins dominate the finish. Sufficiently complex, and should be even better in another year or two.
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11/21/2014 - Niccolo Donzella wrote: 90 Points
Beautifully made with a fine fruit and tannin balance.
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11/13/2014 - twfwinedude Likes this wine:
One of the consistently best Malbecs out there.
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11/6/2014 - jkvedar wrote: 88 Points
Blackberry, spice, leather on the nose. Dark fruit on the palate. Really falls off on the finish.
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8/26/2014 - eldiabloazul Likes this wine: 87 Points
OK, but a little wee bit underwhelming for the price
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8/22/2014 - hoservin wrote: 90 Points
Aerated with a Vinturi and decanted for one hour. Nose of blackberry, cherry, vanilla and spice. A rich, black fruit core integrated with coffee, dried herbs and firm tannins on the palate leads to a medium to long finish. Full bodied with a smooth texture. Paired with baked four cheese pasta.
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7/7/2014 - budosyu wrote: 84 Points
Followed over 3 days. First day, fairly strong blueberry and blackberry with brambly wood spice on a fairly good acidic backbone, finishing with strong, bitter tannins. Similar on day 2 but more prominent fruit flavors, almost candy-like sweet blueberries and cherry notes hitting the tip of the tongue before a strong wave of dark chocolate laden tannins hit the back. Day 3, changed to plums, black liquorice and some cassis finishing with strong, somewhat overpowering mocha flavors on smoothed over tannins.
Felt like the wine didn't fully come together in a harmonious fashion for me at any stage, although the evolution of the wine was interesting to track. Perhaps cellaring for 2-3+ years would help this along, as there is plenty of structure for this wine to last a while.
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7/6/2014 - richshoes Likes this wine: 90 Points
some nice multiple layers of velvet, but the typical muscular harsh raw structure that is typical of malbec. some nice hints of complexity, but also not as three dimensional as one would like.
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6/6/2014 - COWineLover wrote: 86 Points
We consumed this evening and I was comparing this with a 2008 Cuvelier Grand Vin that was consumed the evening prior to the Catena. The Cuvelier absolutely blows away the Catena in every context: color, aroma, palate, finish, acidity, and tannins. Because the Cuvelier destroys the Catena in every element, all I can say is the Catena is a very basic, straightforward, and simple wine.
I still think this is a very average Malbec that is not a good value compared with other offerings that are available.
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6/6/2014 - Melster10 wrote: 91 Points
Such a delicious dark Malbec, the first sip transported me.
Fabulous, smooth, deep color, balanced, strong finish. How Malbec should be.
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6/4/2014 - kbcadeponei wrote: 89 Points
Decanted for 45 minutes. Is very recommended to let this wine breath a little before start drinking. Really revealed a whole new complexity. Very nice and involving malbec. Vivid ruby red. Thin legs. First chocolate coffe with huge strawberry aroma. Black pepper as well. After a while ripe cherry along with a refreshing mineral feel. The wine is a bit nervous, varying from this good complexity to some over alcoholic and sour scents. But thats just a brief feel. Medium full body, creamy, comes in with bitter chocolate mixed with strawberry and cherry, more like in a cake way. Happy to get the present tanins, or else this would be too much. Finishes medium, bitter, with chocolate and toasted coffee palate. At the end of every glass this wine loses its balance a bit, gets citric, but it does not compromise.
Very distinct, powerful wine in a winter, luxurious style.
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6/1/2014 - jlpaulson Likes this wine: 87 Points
Clear very dark red. Cherry and pepper on the nose and the pallet. Light tannins and a sharp bright presence to the fruit.
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5/26/2014 - slywka7 wrote: 92 Points
3 Malbecs from 3 Different Regions for Memorial Day (Home): Amazing how different the 3 noses on the 3 wines are. The Catena is the most forward of the 3 wines. Aromas of dark cherry, kirsch liquor, plum and smoke jump out of the glass. Again a very dark wine, almost black in color. The palate is again very forward with flavors of dark cherry, plum, kirsch liquor and a mineral note on the finish. This had the longest finish of the 3 wines as well, going on for about 25-30 seconds. Outstanding quality for the money.
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5/19/2014 - whits wrote: 89 Points
dark, inky appearance with a ruby rim, smoke, violets and blueberry scents, the fruit remains fresh in the mouth highlighting blackberry, raspberry, floral and ripe red cherry notes, refreshing mountain acidity, the dark fruit lingers on the finish, there is an uplifting quality to this malbec which makes it good with food, excellent with sausage, also great with chili
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5/19/2014 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Lots of sweet oak on the nose and palate. Lighter in body than one might think, not nearly as dark malbec as I remember. Nails the $20 price point although one wishes they could be just a bit friendlier on the supply chain side of things.
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5/2/2014 - jarospigliosi@gmail.com Likes this wine: 89 Points
The wine looks ruby colored. The legs are medium. There is no sediment in the bottle. It smells like black currant (cassis), prune, raisin and coffee. It tastes like blackberry, black currant (cassis) and medium toast. The body is medium. The wine has round texture. The wine finishes medium. The wine has low acidity.
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5/2/2014 - tantotinto wrote: 88 Points
Opaque. Mineral and blackberry nose. Soft and plush on the palate which makes it an easy drinker but with enough acidity in the finish to keep it lively. Plum and blackberry flavor. More soothing than complex. I like it especially given the price.
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4/25/2014 - gout wrote: 89 Points
A well crafted wine for the price. Full & round with soft tannins and pleanty of ripe fruit.
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4/18/2014 - Barolo Raymond wrote: 89 Points
No notes taken. Dark ruby-purple. Developing aromas off black fruits, leather. Dry, medium - medium(-) acidity, low - medium(-) tannin, medium alcohol @13.5% abv. Mouthful of black fruit flavors and pepper. Rich texture, long pluche finish. Very enjoyable and would buy more.
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4/4/2014 - Zoomin Z Likes this wine: 90 Points
Solid, representative Malbec from the hints of cocoa and coffee on the nose, to a medium weight body with generous fruit, to abundant silky tannins that glide over the sides of the tongue. Of course, a perfect pairing with grilled meats.
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3/31/2014 - beezer6 wrote: 89 Points
Vintage Portfolio Tasting (Drake Hotel Chicago): Juicy jammy. Straight forward and accessible. Quite nice for the price.
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3/16/2014 - TWillson wrote: 86 Points
- Ruby color and aromas of black currant. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of tobacco, black currant, raspberry, prune and black pepper with a medium body with a medium finish.
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3/11/2014 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Later on Day 1. Spiced dark red fruit. Aromatic and candied herb and violet aromas. Herb cream and a touch of vanilla. Drinking great. An different take on dry-old-time-root-beer-style drink, you know.
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3/5/2014 - Endodr Likes this wine: 87 Points
This Malbec had a deep purple color. Initially, the heat from it's alcohol overwhelmed the nose. Over time, as this dissipated, earthy funk and dark fruit emanated. It tasted of plum, cherries, dark fruit, herbs, and minerals. The wine was complex, medium bodied, and ended with gritty tannins. Overall, this Costco wine is a vey good value. I will purchase more.
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2/16/2014 - Jobu wrote: flawed
Corked. Have had the Catena many, many times. Guess I was due.
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2/14/2014 - Melster10 wrote: 91 Points
Dreaming of a warm summer Argentina on a February New York night.
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2/11/2014 - rmalloy wrote: 85 Points
I don't know what it is about Argentinian malbecs; they just don't appeal much to me. To be sure, this wine is complex and interesting, with jammy plum and cherry, mocha, cinnamon, vanilla, stewed beans, and funk. Yet to me, it seems ponderous and not particularly tasty. Like Hungarian food.
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2/9/2014 - ringegl wrote:
Always good.
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2/8/2014 - jmcmchi wrote:
Smokey nose, long semi-tannic finish pretty reasonable fruit
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2/7/2014 - COWineLover wrote: 86 Points
On the nose this was giving up muted notes of raspberry and vanilla. Not terribly complex on the palate, with raspberry and black cherry. Fairly straightforward fruit with more acidity than expected for a Malbec. Overrated for the price.
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2/3/2014 - Ronwine Likes this wine: 92 Points
I like it very nice wine will buy more.
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2/3/2014 - cjsadler wrote: 89 Points
Would recommend decanting. This really opened up as we got towards the end of the bottle.
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1/13/2014 - DavidDay Likes this wine: 90 Points
Blackberries and cassis, with a hint of strawberry. The benchmark malbec at about $12-16.
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1/11/2014 - Motz wrote: 90 Points
Malbec is not my thing...but this one caught my attention. Among the best combination of quality and QPR Malbec bottlings I have ever tasted. Layered dark berry fruits on the bouquet and palate. The wine shows depth and nuance uncommon to $20 Malbec. Great dusty minerality! Expert oak treatment that enhances the wine instead of overpowering it.
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1/7/2014 - Birder wrote:
Smells of tobacco and smoke. Tastes of currant, blackberry, mocha, & rusty earth. Long finish of tobacco.
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1/5/2014 - Ben Christiansen wrote:
Haven't had a Catena malbec in a long time. Funny that way, there is something to Catena. More blue fruit but with lively back bone and mineral. A classy, and certainly the classiest of the Malbec set I am having. Wonder if Tilia holds true to the comparison.
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1/2/2014 - Sid_Mac Likes this wine: 90 Points
Web: http://www.catenawines.com/eng/wines/catena/catena-mb-2011.html
Wow! Decanted. This Malbec remained consistently good throughout the evening. Great intensity with balance and structure. Nice fruit, appropriate tannins. Delicious! Deep purple.
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12/18/2013 - wineotim Likes this wine: 89 Points
More finesse and elegance than expected. Soft and smooth with adequate depth of blackberry fruit and plum. Good value.
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12/13/2013 - Melster10 wrote:
Fabulous, smooth, deep color, balanced, strong finish. How Malbec should be.
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11/27/2013 - What I'm Drinking Now wrote: 87 Points
I bought 4 bottles of this wine for Thanksgiving since we have a tendency to go through quite a few bottles despite the fact some don't even like wine and after several bottles the importance of quality slips. This isn't a terrible wine at all and taste like a fairly well made Malbec although I should warn all that popping and pouring is a mistake. On the second night, the wine featured more blueberry and milk chocolate than the night prior. This medium to full bodied effort should appease the masses and drinks quite a bit like a crowd pleasing merlot. Cheers and Happy Thanksgiving!
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11/19/2013 - devman wrote: 90 Points
Drinking surprisingly well for such a young wine. Needs a few years to straighten out the loose ends, but still very complex, flavorful and well rounded. This is one to stock up on.
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11/15/2013 - wiscgrad wrote: 87 Points
drank over 2 days. much better the first night. nice and smooth with decent fruit but not very complex. Pretty basic malbec. Decent value at sub $20
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11/13/2013 - StageOneRacing Likes this wine: 89 Points
Nice and smooth with great flavors.
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11/11/2013 - peternelson wrote: 87 Points
Blind at Paul's: Opaque purple-ruby; pink rim; ripe red, black fruits, black cherry, blackberry, plum, cocoa, violets, asphalt, cinammon and clove, caramel; new French, bitter cocoa, stony minerals, high alcohol. This was quite obvious to everyone.
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10/27/2013 - JDV.DDSPHD Likes this wine: 90 Points
For an everyday drinker this is really nice. Great price point and great overall malbec. Nice big red fruit. Really well balanced and nice acidity. Tannins are what I would expect from a malbec and I wish they carried a bit more weight. Soft and really a finesse type of wine. Nice overall finish and for the price it is really nice.
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10/26/2013 - Ken332 wrote: 89 Points
Purple, rush of plums and blackberries in the nose and initial flavors. Soft tannins but well structured. I think this is the standard against which moderate priced malbecs are compared.
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10/3/2013 - Zed57 wrote: 90 Points
Blackberry and cherry with a mineral backbone. Has a few years
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9/23/2013 - Cmhaggar wrote: 88 Points
- Purple color and aromas of strawberry jam. It's balanced and has flavours of strawberry jam, blackberry and black pepper with a medium body. Round texture with a medium finish.
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9/16/2013 - Cmhaggar wrote: 89 Points
- Purple color and aromas of blackberry. It's somewhat balanced and has flavours of blackberry and cherry with a medium body. Round texture with a medium finish - Nice wine -
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9/8/2013 - AllRed wrote: 88 Points
Sunday Brown Bag Tasting: Malbec (current releases) (Augie's): Bright garnet color. A bit reticent at first, this took some time to open. Notes of vanilla and red fruit, developing a nice earthy undertone with time. Bright red fruit flavors on the palate, with hints of spice and vanilla on the finish. Turns a bit hot/boozy as it sat. 88+ pts.
My #4, Domino's #2
Group #2, 30 pts
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8/30/2013 - Jobu wrote: 90 Points
Good stuff as usual.
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6/17/2013 - InternationalWineReport wrote:
Ripe and concentrated with sweet blackberries and reduced plums followed by spices, mocha, loam and hints of fresh violets. The full, plush texture is nicely polished with no hard edges as it glides effortlessly into the long, mouth-coating finish
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4/11/2013 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Argentina/Catena Zapata visit, etc; 4/9/2013-4/12/2013: rustic red and black fruit aromas. herb harmony on the palate. baking spice, not the upfront red cherry of the '10 Alta Malbec.
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4/9/2013 - nzinkgraf wrote:
Argentina/Catena Zapata visit, etc; 4/9/2013-4/12/2013: A little more expensive than the classic bottling. This site is a little cooler than Vista Flores. Bigger rocks in the soil. much more floral on the nose. Less rustic, a brighter style with more finesse.
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