CATENA ZAPATA Malbec, Argentino - Uco Valley, Mendoza 2008 IMPERIAL (600cl) - NO DISCOUNT

Description

Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino is made from a meticulous vine selection in the best lots of the Catena family’s estate vineyards. These Zapata vines are carefully hand tended and produce extremely low yields. The grapes are micro-fermented in new French oak barriques and the wine is then aged for 24 months in new French oak. This wine is made in very limited quantities.

The Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino 2008 shows a saturated dark violet colour; the nose offers cassis, mocha and clove, along with a strong suggestion of soil tones. It combines density and sweetness on the one hand, with gripping flavors of tobacco, dark berries, spices and minerals; a palate-staining finish dominated by sweet black and blue fruits.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 97 points
Drink Date: 2011 - 2028 - The 2008 Argentino Malbec is a blend of 65% Adrianna and 35% Nicasia fruit. It, too, spent 24 months in 100% new French oak. The Argentino offers a similar aromatic and flavor profile but with just a bit of extra nuance, presumably because of the blending. Dense, rich, and voluptuous, this lengthy effort should easily achieve its 20th birthday in peak form. It will be most enjoyable to taste these three wines side-by-side in another 10-15 years. There is no let up in quality at Catena Zapata, where Nicolas Catena remains in charge, assisted by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena. The new releases include two white wines. - Jay S Miller, 23rd Dec 2011

WINE ENTHUSIAST 96 points "One of the finest top end Malbecs on the market today. There's raisin, mineral, liquorice, blackberry and more. The mouth is both huge and shows finesse. And the mile-long finish of coffee, mocha and molten-black fruit is awesome."