100 points - "There is an unusual stony austerity in the 2021 Adrianna Vineyard River, cropped from a cold year when the full clusters fermented in concrete with a slightly shorter maceration and an élevage in a 2,000-liter oak foudre and the rest in stainless steel. It has a moderate 13.4% alcohol with very high acidity (8.2!) and a low pH (3.37), incredible parameters of freshness. The wine was closed and took time to take off in the glass, revealing a very elegant and subtle personality, with the silky texture of the very fine tannins, pristine aromas and flavors, and a sense of harmony that was moving. It’s powerful but extremely elegant in that rare combination of clout and energy, a wine of light, aerial, with some ethereal qualities, delicate and refined. This combines the cool place and high altitude, the cool year and the stony soils, to deliver a stunning Malbec that goes well beyond the variety. Bravo! Drink now." - Luis Gutiérrez (Robert Parker/Wine Advocate)

98 points - "The 2021 Malbec Adrianna Vineyard River originates from a small stony plot nestled in an ancient riverbed in Gualtallary, Uco Valley, situated at an elevation of 1,400 meters. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in foudres and concrete vats. It displays a purple hue with a bright sheen. The nose offers enticing notes of sage and arugula, complemented by chamomile, lavender and huacatay, layered over a base of rosehip and crushed plums. This Malbec exhibits a dry and lean profile reminiscent of Pinot Noir, showcasing a nervous and taut sensation with a silky texture. The refreshing notes and juicy flow linger, creating a harmonious experience. This red wine combines precise harvesting timing with a beautiful 2021 vintage to accentuate its primary profile. Drink 2025-2040." - Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous)

98 points - "A full package of red fruit with a hint of black olives, spice, wet stones and hibiscus. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate, very pure, transparent and juicy. Really elegant and subtle, with a long finish. Very refined. Complex but discreet and pinot-esque for a malbec. 100% whole bunch. Drink or hold." - James Suckling (JamesSuckling.com)

This cuvée takes its name from a small parcel of the Adrianna Vineyard that is completely covered with oval white stones, the remnants of an ancient riverbed. These abundant stones provide optimal drainage and regulate extreme temperatures. They absorb heat during the day and moderate nighttime temperatures, but after a very cold night, they act like ice cubes. Stony-soil Malbecs tend to be extremely aromatic, rich, and luxurious, just like the River Malbec from Adrianna. This wine can be enjoyed young or aged for decades.

TECHNICAL INFORMATION

Varietal: 100% Malbec
Alcohol: 13.90%
Total Acidity: 6.8 g/L
pH: 3.6
Fermentation: Extensive cold maceration (50% whole cluster) of 5–10 days at less than 50ºF (10ºC) to extract aromas. Juice is fermented for 12–22 days, with a total maceration of approximately 10–15 days.
Elevage: 18–21 months in French oak (1- and 2-year-old barrels)
Key Descriptors: Floral, exuberant, lengthy smooth tannins, metallic
VINEYARD

Location: Adrianna Vineyard, Gualtallary District, Tupungato Alto Region, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
Parcel Name: River
Parcel Surface: 2.6 hectares
Soil Composition: Alluvial origin with white stones covered by calcium carbonate, an ancient riverbed
Altitude: 4,482 ft (1,366 m)