The Catena wines are a special assemblage of High Mountain Estate Vineyards made by fourth generation vintner, Laura Catena and chief winemaker, Alejandro Vigil. Although we have found that most of the Catena wines are consumed shortly after release, we are pleased to see that they age beautifully for ten to twenty years. Through decades of study and exploration within Mendoza's high altitude mountain terroirs, the Catena family has identified special locations for its Estate vineyards. From the marriage of these historic vineyards emerges a wine of unique character that has natural balance, concentration and a distinct varietal identity. In 1898, Nicola Catena left his homeland of Italy, and sailed for the land of plenty and opportunity: Argentina. It wasn't long before Nicola planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902. Although traditionally used as a blending grape in Bordeaux, Nicola believed in the potential of Malbec as a single varietal wine, and suspected that it might uncover its hidden splendour in the cooler climes of the Andes. Flash forward a few decades, to where Nicola's grandson, Nicolas Catena Zapata, has taken over the management of the business. He sold off the bulk producing parts of the company, focusing instead on producing premium Mlabec and Cabernet. To that end, he began searching for the best sites in Mendoza to plant. In 1992, he settled on Gualtallary Alto - the highest and moste Western part of Tupungato. Today, the wines of Bodega Catena Zapata are sourced from six historic estate vineyards: Angélica, La Pirámide, Nicasia, Domingo, Adrianna and Angélica Sur.

Malbec has proven to be one of the most successful red grape varieties in Argentina. This example from Santa Julia is full-bodied rich and spicy with well balanced tannins on the palate. A great match for matured cheeses.

This superb wine abounds with intense cherry, chocolate and spice flavours. Like the Gauchos its velvety smooth on the outside but mucho macho on the inside. Salud!

Malbec is renowned for its value in blends but not often found as a varietal. This fine example from Bleasdale is considered a benchmark for the style. Soft, smooth, toasty oak with great depth of complexity.

This wine from South West France has been created by the famous winemaker Pascal Verhaeghe, owner of Chateau du Cedre. This velvety and fruity red wine, with notes of blackcurrant and spices is a great expression of French Malbec.

Aromas of cinnamon spiced Mocha and fresh black berries and plums float from the glass with hints of Grandpa's pipe tobacco wafting in. The dark chocolate lined palate shows fresh black berries, black currant, plum and morello cherries with lovely chewy fine chocalately tannin that lingers.

Houghton CW Ferguson Cabernet Malbec is a tribute to Charles William Ferguson. A pioneer of the Swan Valley region, Charles Ferguson was committed to developing the area along with the reputation of Houghton's. This Cabernet Malbec is the first release and is accumulating a list of gold medals the envy of most, including the Regional Trophy for best Australian red blend over £10 at the Decanter World Wine Awards 2011.

Sit Stay Society Cabernet Malbec 375mL bottles prove that good things come in small packages. This wine shows the best of both varieties with a mix of dark red fruit characters & plush blackberry notes.

Lip-smacking, ripe black fruit flavours coat the mouth. Theres a lovely richness to these brightly defined, saturated fruit flavours. Ripe, supple tannins sit in the background and together with the fresh acidity attractively frame the abundant black fruited palate. A clean, fragrant and generously flavoured full bodied red best enjoyed in the full vigour of its youth.