~91Pts WINE SPECTATOR A rich red, with ripe flavors of linzer torte, plum pudding and fig paste flavors by layers of mesquite, olive paste and grilled herbs. Grippy tannins add weight to the long, vibrant finish.

Rating

91 Pts Stephen Tanzer Bright ruby-red. Darkberries, graphite and nutty oak on the very ripe nose, with a distinctive peppery lift. The palate offers an almost exotic sweetness to the lush, seamless flavors of macerated dark fruits, mocha and dark chocolate. Not the last word in complexity but pliant, generous and full in the mouth, finishing with lush tannins and an almost exotic liqueur-like quality. This is drinkable already. Some tasters may find this too sweet for a Catena wine. 91 Pts Wine Advocate The opaque purple-colored 2006 Malbec was aged for 12 months in 70% French oak, 20% new, and 30% new American oak. The aromatic array displays toasty black cherry, black raspberry, and violet notes leading to a smooth-textured, layered, rich wine bordering on opulence. It manages to achieve this while retaining an elegant, light-on-its-feet personality. On the palate, spice notes and a hint of chocolate emerge. There is enough structure for the wine to evolve for 2-3 years although it can be enjoyed now. 91 Pts Wine Spectator Enticing, with lots of mocha, fruitcake, raspberry and boysenberry flavors stretched over a lengthy, fleshy finish. A delicious, fruit-driven version. Drink now through 2010.