Back in January we enjoyed a bottle of Catena's Pasarisa offerings. That one was from Patagonia, this one originates from La Rioja. We received quite the joyful buzz from the first bottle, and have high hopes that the second is equally as indulgent.
Nose: Spicy, but with blackberry at the core, and a surprising bit of minerality. The fruit notes expand to plum compote and raspberry and get softer as it sits, but the minerality is ever-present and unyielding.
Palate: Pretty much as advertised on the nose with ripe berries and spice. Lively acidity that's balanced and fine-grained tannins. A cameo of oak appears to deliver some contrast and offsets some of the minerality.
Finish: Long, lingering delightful. The savory elements push forward and the minerality ascends to the top. Very lovely indeed.
I would not wait to open this. It's good to go now. It didn't give me the thrill that the Patagonia delivered, but still a quality offering from one of the tops in the game.
$30