Deep ruby color; cherry, strawberry, blackcurrant, blackberry, raspberry, mint, vanilla, cocoa, oak spice, flowers on the nose and palate.
Dry (2.0 g/L RS); pleasant, fine-grained tannins and acidity (3.69 pH). Medium-plus body; full in the mouth. Savory elements with some rusticity and gamey notes. Good balance of fruit, tannins, acidity, alcohol. This is well behaved, civilized cab that does not barrel through your palate with big fruit, big oak, big alcohol. Made by Ernesto Catena, a fourth-generation winemaker, son of legendary Argentine winemaker Nicolás Catena and brother of legendary Argentine winemaker-physician-spokesperson Laura Catena. Made with certified organic grapes from high-altitude region of Mendoza’s Uco Valley. The Catena family pioneered high-altitude vineyards in Argentina. 13.5% ABV
Ernesto Catena founded the winery in 2000 with the mission to “transform winemaking into a true art.” The website notes: “Ernesto Catena Vineyards is a work of art in constant metamorphosis, growing under a biodynamic and natural philosophy, in which all the composing elements work in synchrony.”
There is no question the Catena family is one of alpha high achievers. His father, Nicolás, not only carried on the family winery tradition and did trailblazing work in higher altitude vineyards, he also taught economics at the University of California, Berkeley. His sister, who now runs the family winery, graduated magna cum laude from Harvard in biology and then earned an emergency room physician degree from Stanford University. Not to be outdone, Ernesto earned his bachelor’s degree in computer science and economic from Tufts University, then a master’s degree in design from the Domus Academy in Milan, then a degree in history from London. He is a fervent student of Renaissance humanism whose mission is to elevate winemaking beyond mere production to be an artistic expression.
Ernesto is the bohemian branch of this illustrious family. He is the “free spirit” who pursues his own winemaking vision separate from the main Catena operation. He is known as a tireless and avid reader, painter, art collector, horseman, polo player, and archer. His Tikal Natural Vineyards has been Demeter certified biodynamic since 2012, a pioneer in Argentine biodynamic viticulture. His estate was the first to export biodynamic wine from Argentina. Ánimal wines are all single varietal and 100% organic certified. They self-describe as “wild and raw.”
Ernesto Catena Vineyards Ánimal Natural Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon, Mendoza 2023 is the product of a testing vintage and the winery’s commitment to minimal intervention winemaking. It balances lean structure, some rustic and gamey notes, palate weight, and concentrated dark fruits. Well presents higher altitude Mendoza wine—a Catena family hallmark. Rich, delicious dark fruits, good value from a scion of Argentine wine’s over-achievers. $22-25
Pairing—Grilled steaks, short ribs, rib eye, New York strip; gourmet burgers with aged cheddar, caramelized onions, and mushrooms; lamb; venison. Argentine classics—beef empanadas, asado cuts (bife de chorizo/rib eye, tira de asado), grilled chorizo on crusty bread). Pizza with sausage, mushrooms, olives. Portobello steaks, charred eggplant, mushroom ragù over polenta or pappardelle, lentil or black-bean chili. Avoid sweet barbecue sauces. Cheese—Aged cheddar, aged gouda, comté, pecorino toscano, manchego curado, reggianito, sardo Argentino (with grille lamb).