2017 Catena Tinto Historico - Red Blend Done Right

2017 Catena Tinto Historico - Red Blend Done Right

The 2017 D.V. Catena Tinto Historico is one of the great red blend values in the marketplace currently. Rated 90+ points by three different journals and a fantastic blend of Malbec, Bonarda, and Petit Verdot, this crushes a number of other red blends that cost twice the price.

When it comes to Argentinian wines, Catena is one of the most respected and historically significant producers of all. And this wine is an ode to Don Domingo Vicente Catena, Nicolas Catena Zapata’s father. Nicolas’ dad would be proud!

2017 D.V. Catena Tinto Historico Red Blend 

94 points James Suckling, 93 points Decanter, 91 points Vinous Media

This vintage is sold out. To order the new vintage, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.

I was blown away by the quality to price ratio on this one when I tasted it recently. I guess I shouldn’t be surprised as it comes from Catena, one of the top 2 or 3 producers in Argentina and one of the most respected in the world. As I was saying earlier, this is a “tribute wine” of sorts. Don Domingo Vicente Catena, Nicolas Catena Zapata’s father, was famous in the 1930’s for his deep dark red wine blend. This blend was sold in the French-styled bistros of Buenos Aires – the Paris of South America – as the finest wine from the Mendoza region.

This wine is made in honor of Don Domingo Catena and his legendary abilities as a Master Blender. It comes from a special assemblage of high elevation, estate vineyards, and winemaking is handled by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Some of the vineyards used here were originally planted in 1902 and that old vine character really comes through in this one.

A blend of 72% Malbec, 21% Bonarda, and 7% Petit Verdot, this one sees a long maceration and fermentation in stainless steel. After fermentation, it is aged for 14 months in French oak and another 10 months in bottle before it is released. Deeply colored, plush, ripe and polished, this is a ton of wine for the money. The aromas and flavors are of ripe dark fruits, spices, and flowers and the palate is lush and beautifully balanced.

And the critics agree with me on this one. Suckling called it a “stunning wine for this price point” while Master of Wine Tim Atkin of Decanter said it had “plenty of color” and “succulent tannins and plush blueberry and raspberry fruit.” Vinous Media loved it too, calling it “perhaps the best vintage yet for this bottling.” They’re all correct!

Overall, this is just a marvelous spring and summer red. Perfect for pairing with a rib-eye or lamb chops, it’s also one of those red wines that manages to be full-bodied, yet smooth and easy-drinking. Drink it now and over the next 5 years.

This vintage is sold out. To order the new vintage, stop by the store or click here to order in our online store.

Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville

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