2022 Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec

Rich, concentrated and polished, this is a wonderfully finessed and powerful Malbec.

Nicola Catena planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza in 1902 and today the estate is run by Nicholás Catena and his daughter Laura. Malbec continues to be the estate's focus and the winery's pristine vineyards lie at the base of the Andes on soils of sand, lime and stone at altitudes between 920 and 1120 metres above sea level. Over the last 20 years, the fastidious vineyard work of Nicholas and Laura has paid dividends and Catena Zapata is now one of Argentina's most famous estates.
2022 was an exceptional year at Catena Zapata from every possible qualitative standpoint. Alejandro Vigil, Catena Zapata’s Head Winemaker says: “This is the best year that I have lived through”.
Magnificent depth of colour featuring a super saturated inky black heart along with a dark purple black tinged hue. Perfumed aromas of violet, red to black currant, blueberry and liquorice stream through the nostrils complimented by some vanillin cedar, subtle tobacco, earth and spicy dried herb notes. Rich and concentrated yet gorgeously refined, the mid weighted palate has a deep coating of blackcurrant, blueberry, dark cherry and liquorice fruits flowing across it. Compact, grainy tannin structure with notions of vanillin cedar, earthy dark chocolate, subtle infusions of fresh herbs and delicate spicy tobacco elements outlined across the back half. Polished and fresh with a slightly dusty feel, its wonderfully finessed and powerful. Finishes long, juicy and expansive.
Drink over the next 8-10 years.
Alc. 13.5%

Other Reviews…..
The 2022 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard was sourced from Paraje Altamira and aged for up to 21 months in oak barrels. Aromas of violets and lavender blend with cassis and intense blue fruit notes. Delicate yet juicy with a plush texture, it shows fine oak integration. It's precise in its fruit expression, finishing long with refined structure and a polished impression. The fresh, dry 2022 vintage lends additional nuance to this delicious wine. Compared to Catena Zapata’s single-vineyard wines, Nicasia typically receives less attention, but this is a distinctive, captivating Malbec in and of itself. Drink 2025-2045.
97 points
Joaquín Hidalgo – Vinous

This is concentrated, with dense dark fruit. The nose shows blue fruit, tar and tapenade. The palate is juicy and medium- to full-bodied, with delineated concentration, dark fruit flavors and voluminous presence balanced by precise tannins. Drink now.
96 points
JamesSuckling.com