2019 Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata

The Catena Zapata family's mission is to make profound and unforgettable wines that reflect the special character of each vine within the family's historic vineyards. Constantly pushing the viticultural envelope, Nicolás and Laura Catena have identified Mendoza's best microclimates, selected the highest quality Malbec vines and pioneered viticulture in undiscovered regions. The inaugural 1997 vintage of Nicolas Catena Zapata, a Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend set a new standard of quality for wines from South America. 20 years later, it stands at the pinnacle of great wines of the Andes.

Other Reviews....
This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc. Try this from 2024.
98 points
James Suckling

The 2019 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary (Adrianna vineyard) and 30% Malbec from Altamira (Nicasia vineyard) and a high percentage of Cabernet Franc (28%) also from Adrianna, which took the place of Cabernet Sauvignon. It fermented in small oak barrels, concrete and stainless steel tanks with a short post-fermentative maceration. Élevage was in first and second use French oak barrels and lasted for 18 months, including malolactic. This is always quite classical in style, with some spiciness from the barrels and hints of smoke and toast, still very young and undeveloped. It has the traditional Bordeaux blend character and is herbal, floral and spicy, with a beautiful texture, very nice balance and very fine, chalky tannins. 2019 was a very dry year, and the berries were small, very healthy and delivered powerful wines. It's 13.7% alcohol and has mellow acidity and good freshness, reflecting a relatively cool season, coming though as elegant and balanced with the stuffing and balance to develop nicely over the years in bottle. 66,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2021. Drink: 2025 - 2032.
96 points
Luis Gutiérrez - Wine Advocate

Richly scented on the nose. Concentrated and full on the palate, a serious wine with intention. Driving flavours of blackcurrant and black cherry with cinnamon spice and mineral saltiness abound on the palate with a touch of sweetness. Tannins are ripe and massy, plush and gently chewy but this has exceptional freshness that keeps the whole palate quite lifted and alive. Feels well worked and there is a sense of serious style to this. I like the expression - lovely nuance and finesse, the details are so appealing. Enjoy with some hearty food.
94 points
Georgina Hindle - Decanter