“The three reds from Adrianna vineyard felt quite homogeneous in quality; perhaps the slightly warmer years provide more even wines, and the cooler vintages tend to show more differences. Having said that, I was quite impressed by the 2017 Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae, a wine that is usually more backward and is sold later than the other two. There is clout and power but with balance and finesse. The ripeness is very contained, and the texture on the palate is similar to the other two. I guess they harvested earlier to compensate the lower yields and the warm end of the season.”

“Named after the bacteria that live in the soils of the Adrianna Vineyard - you might not want to dwell on this while you’re tasting the wine - this is another very impressive premium Malbec from the Catena team. Whole bunch-fermented, with stylish 50% new wood, it’s the freshest, chalkiest and most refined of the range with black cherry and bramble sweetness and a tapering finish.” (Best Malbec)

“The nose is slightly reserved but shows pretty violet lift. Black plum skin, ripe blackberry and an undertone of charcoal hit the palate. Suave, elegant and seamlessly balanced, this beauty delivers an easy drinkability. The tannins are supple and smooth, the oak is discreet - letting the fruit shine through, and the acidity lifts with an almost invisible hand. Mulberries fill the lingering, lightly minerally finish. Masterful. Plus, I love the wine's name, "Elegant Microbes of the Earth", which in Latin sounds fancy yet in English might make you wonder if you should pour it into your glass. (Yes, you should!)”