Welcome to the Wine Consultant

HIGH ALTITUDE WINE PRODUCTION.....

Dear Wine Friend,

You should know by now, I prefer wines made from high elevation vineyards. Scientists know thinner air and brighter light results in more efficient photosynthesis by the vine. The diurnal temperature range (day time high and night time low) is more extreme, which starts and stops the ripening process to preserve natural acidity and improve flavors. Dry, shallow, well drained soils are best for stressing the grape; resulting in small berry size so the skin to juice ratio remains high. This leads to wines that have deeper color, more flavors, and are richly extracted.

If you are not a convert of Argentine wines, then let me help enlighten you with two world class wines produced from the high elevation vineyards of Bodega Catena Zapata in Mendoza.

2005 Catena Alta Chardonnay - Produced from grapes grown from a select parcel in Bodega Catena Zapata's Adrianna Vineyard, situated at 4,850 foot elevation in the sandy, high desert of the Andes foothills in the Gualtallary district of Mendoza, Argentina. By comparison, Napa Valley's highest peak within an AVA district is Atlas Peak at 2,600 feet in elevation. The 2005 Catena Alta Chardonnay is produced only in special vintages and has the capability to age like a fine French white Burgundy - Rated 92 points by both the Wine Spectator and Robert Parker. Should be $35 > NOW $32.50 or purchase six bottles for $28.50.......to continue reading go to > www.thewineconsultant.com/wine/1368

2005 Catena Alta Malbec - A cuvee consisting of five component vineyard sources ranging from a "low" elevation of 2850 feet right back up to the Adrianna Vineyard again at almost 5,000 feet. 100% Malbec from meager yields of 2 to 4 clusters per vine, eek out enough juice to produce about a bottle for every 3 to 4 plants. Consistently awarded top ratings, the 2003 and 2004 vintages have received 94 points respectively by the Wine Spectator. Now the highly regarded 2005 vintage comes to market, more limited and allocated than ever - Should be $58.95 > NOW $54.95......to continue reading go to > www.thewineconsultant.com/wine/1369

For map of Catena Alta vineyards click this link > www.catenawines.com/eng/vineyards/map.html

2005 CATENA ALTA CHARDONNAY & MALBEC - MENDOZA, ARGENTINA

TREAT YOURSELF!

TWO WORLD CLASS VALUES!

2005 Catena Alta Chardonnay -

WS 92, WA 92

Our Price:$32.50
List Price: $35
Purchase Six: $28.50

2005 Catena Alta

Malbec -

03 & 04 - 94 WS

LIMITED ALLOCATION!

Our Price: $54.95
List Price: $58.95

Pyramid design of Bodega Catena Zapata. Me.
3100 foot elevation -Piramide Vineyard at Bodega Catena Zapata.	Sparse and scraggily Malbec cluster. Vines typically yield only 2 to 4 clusters per vine. Note sandy terrain.

Check out Renee's latest RECIPE posting! A tribute to Mrs. Kendrick's all purpose marinade recipe. www.thewineconsultant.com/recipes

Tasting Bar Lineup for this Saturday, May 9th from Noon to 4pm > Spotlights the 05 Catena Alta Chardonnay, and compares two spectacular Santa Lucia Highland Pinot Noir sourced from the famed Rosella's Vineyard (each scored 97 points in the Pinot Report), PLUS MORE..... details and notes at www.thewineconsultant.com/tastingbar

Hey! Someone is going to win a mixed case of wine valued at $300....You might as well be the ONE!! Entry instructions below. Just be sure all entries are here before the drawing on May 31st.

WIN A MIXED CASE OF WINE! $300 VALUE!! Just print and detach this entry ticket. Print your contact information on the backside. US post or bring to the store to enter drawing. No purchase required. One entry per newsletter. Must be a registered email recipient to enter. Need not be present to win. Drawing to be held 4pm. May 31st.	.
*The Wine Consultant logo must be printed to be valid. - May 7th, 2008*