Catena Zapata Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec 2022 - 750ml

99pts James Suckling

Wet stone, iron, iodine and wet earth with a touch of white pepper and cocoa powder to the deep blue and black fruit. Brooding now, but super fresh. Full-bodied and broad on the palate with real tension, full of fresh, fine-grained tannins. Extremely long and fresh. Drink from 2028.

99pts Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Among the exceptional trio of Malbec bottlings from Adrianna Vineyard, I found the 2022 Adrianna Vineyard Malbec Mundus Bacillus Terrae to be the most complete and captivating. Starting with a dramatic, exotic, multidimensional and sophisticated nose, it presents an array of paradoxes that characterize the world's most intriguing wines: depth coupled with lift and elegance matched with assertion, all underpinned by a quiet, understated intensity that flows from the nose to the finish. A sleek, rich and polished palate transitions into a grippy, ultra-refined finish featuring well-measured tannins and remarkable length. I eagerly anticipate how this wine will evolve, and I have no doubt its trajectory will span at least two decades.

98pts Jeb Dunnuck

Another 100% varietal, parcel-specific offering, the 2022 Malbec Mundus Bacillus Terrae Adrianna Vineyard is from a block distinct in very deep limestone and clay soils and is 100% whole-cluster fermented. Angular and granitic, it's defined by its ethereal, earthy nature and shyness in its youth, with a saline component that compels. The tannins are strong and well-structured, begging for time. I'd wait to enjoy from 2032 to 2042 and beyond.

97pts Decanter

Fragrant and deep blackcurrants on the nose. Supple and generous on the palate, this is full of ripe but clean and crystalline fruit - blackcurrant, plum and sweet red cherries. There's an appealing chalky edge to the expression which adds nuance and texture. Still a little reserved but there's lots of finesse and elegance on show. Firm and a touch lean, straightforward and direct but with purity. Juicy and fresh, but not as immediately accessible as the main estate bottling at this point.

97pts Vinous

The 2022 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae is a terroir-driven wine aptly named for the soil-dwelling bacteria that nourish the grape roots at this site. Sourced from a site planted in 1992 at 1,390 meters above sea level in Tupungato, Uco Valley, the 2022 was aged for 15-18 months in French oak barrels. This purple-hued Malbec is delicate and juicy, featuring notes of violet, lavender, cherry and plum, alongside hints of mountain herbs. It's juicy with a taut structure, leaving a trace of red fruit and darker elements. It finishes with a refined juiciness, showcasing a prominent chalky mouthfeel. This embodies the essence of modern high-altitude winemaking.