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Nicolas Catena Zapata 2019

Catena Zapata

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Tasting Notes

One of the classic Argentinian names, and one of the benchmark properties for the Place de Bordeaux. Very much on point in terms of estate signature - powerful, if subdued on the opening beats. This revs up through the mid palate, with grippy tannins, tons of black cherry, cassis and grilled oak, strays towards overpowered but pulls back to deliver crushed rock and black truffle on the finish. Clear ageing ability. Ungrafted vines, Fernando Buscema winemaker.

Score: 94

Jane Anson, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2024-2040 31 August 2022

One of the classic Argentinian names, and one of the benchmark properties for the Place de Bordeaux. Very much on point in terms of estate signature - powerful, if subdued on the opening beats. This revs up through the mid palate, with grippy tannins, tons of black cherry, cassis and grilled oak, strays towards overpowered but pulls back to deliver crushed rock and black truffle on the finish. Clear ageing ability. Ungrafted vines, Fernando Buscema winemaker.

Score: 94

Jane Anson, JaneAnson.com Maturity: 2027+ 02 June 2022

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.

Score: 96

Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com Maturity: 2025 - 2032 31 August 2022

The 2019 Nicolas Catena Zapata is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 28% Cabernet Franc from the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Having spent 18 months in new French barrels, it’s garnet red in hue. The 2019 has a nose of cedar, expressive, dark fruit notes such as plum and blackcurrant, gentle traces of sweet spices and herbs and a hint of amaretti. Broad and velvety in the mouth with a juicy palate and a delicate tea-like texture, the grip lends essential structure. This is a subtle, complex red of long-lasting flavor to which the excellent year has brought an extra level of finesse.

Score: 96

, Inside Bordeaux Maturity: 2025-2040 30 August 2022

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.

Score: 98

James Suckling, JamesSuckling.com Maturity: 2024+ 24 February 2022

The 2019 Nicolas Catena Zapata is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 28% Cabernet Franc from the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Having spent 18 months in new French barrels, it’s garnet red in hue. The 2019 has a nose of cedar, expressive, dark fruit notes such as plum and blackcurrant, gentle traces of sweet spices and herbs and a hint of amaretti. Broad and velvety in the mouth with a juicy palate and a delicate tea-like texture, the grip lends essential structure. This is a subtle, complex red of long-lasting flavor to which the excellent year has brought an extra level of finesse.

Score: 96

Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous.com Maturity: 2025 - 2040 01 November 2021