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Awards, Ratings & Reviews
100/100 — Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Jun 2024
When to drink: 2026 to 2042
100/100 — Patricio Tapia, Descorchados · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Jan 2024
“According to winemaker Alejandro Vigil, the name Mundus Bacillus comes from the bacterial world that exists in that small, 1.4-hectare piece of the Adrianna Vineyard in Gualtallary, about 1,400 meters above sea level. The symbiosis of that molecular world with the roots and the strong presence of calcium carbonate make this malbec cross the variety’s borders and offer a wine that’s much more austere than its partners in this line, with tannins that are much chalkier and more severe. The aromas show sour cherries and a good share of mineral, saline aromas that lend complexity. The cool 2021 season accentuates the tense and energetic character of the wine.”
99/100 — James Suckling · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Mar 2023
“A complex yet super discreet nose with hints of wet stone, wet earth, peppercorn and graphite to the red and blue fruits. An elegant expression but this has an intense mid-palate with tight but silky tannins. Long, complex and soft-spoken. Nothing conspicuous here. Impeccable interplay between concentration and purity. Will age really well. Drinkable now but better from 2025.”
98/100 — Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Aug 2023
When to drink: 2024 to 2036
98/100 — Falstaff · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: May 2025
“Bright, dark ruby, purple reflections, subtle brightening at the rim. Black forest berry fruit, in the background lavender and candied violets, a hint of blackberries and dark currants, nuances of fine oak with tobacco. Complex, finely spiced, plums, nougat and ripe tannins on the palate, fine, vivid acidity, mineral and salty on the long finish.”
96/100 — Tim Atkin MW · 2021 Vintage · Tasted: Feb 2024
When to drink: 2025 to 2028
About This Wine
Mundus Bacillus Terrae takes its name from the “elegant microbes of the earth,” referring to the rhizobacteria found in the limestone-rich soils of this 1.4-hectare parcel within the Adrianna Vineyard.
The vineyard sits at 4,560 feet (1,390 m) elevation in Gualtallary, Tupungato, where deep alluvial soils with a strong calcareous component contribute to the wine’s firm structure, chalky tannins and mineral drive.
About the Producer
Founded in 1902 by Nicola Catena, Catena Zapata is Argentina’s oldest winery still owned by its founding family and a global reference for high-altitude Malbec from Mendoza.
Led today by fourth-generation vintner Dr. Laura Catena, the winery is known for its pioneering work in identifying extreme terroirs in the Andes and for the research-driven work of the Catena Institute of Wine.
Specifications
- Vintage: 2021
- Grape Variety: 100% Malbec
- Region: Gualtallary / Tupungato / Uco Valley / Mendoza / Argentina
- Vineyard / Geo info: Adrianna Vineyard, Parcel name Mundus Bacillus Terrae; parcel size 1.4 hectares; altitude 4,560 ft (1,390 m)
- Fermentation: 75% in concrete (50% whole cluster), 25% in oak foudres (juice only)
- Maturation: 15–18 months in French oak barrels
- Alcohol: 13.9%
- Total Acidity: 7.3 g/L
- Acidity pH: 3.55
- Closure: Cork
- Drinking Window: 2026–2042
