CATENA ZAPATA Nicolas Catena Zapata - Uco Valley, Mendoza 2019 Bottle (los)

Description

IN BRIEF
Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata 2019 is an exceptional Argentine wine that showcases the artistry and dedication of the Catena family, who are pioneers in the country's winemaking. This prestigious blend, sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, predominantly features Malbec, complemented by Cabernet Sauvignon and a notable percentage of Cabernet Franc. The meticulous vineyard practices ensure precise ripening and bold fruit flavours. The 2019 vintage captivates with intense aromas of ripe dark fruits, floral notes, and a hint of spice. On the palate, it reveals a velvety texture, vibrant acidity, and additional notes of chocolate and espresso. With impressive accolades, including 96 points from The Wine Advocate, this wine offers a remarkable tasting experience worth exploring.

ABOUT THIS WINE
Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata 2019 is an exceptional showcasing of the artistry and dedication at one of Argentina's most acclaimed wineries. This prestigious wine is produced from meticulously selected grapes sourced exclusively from high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley of Mendoza, where the unique terroir, combined with the region's diverse climate, creates ideal conditions for growing premium varietals.

This vintage primarily features Malbec, complemented by a portion of Cabernet Sauvignon, exhibiting the brilliant synergy between the two grapes. The Malbec lends its characteristic bold fruit flavours, while the Cabernet Sauvignon contributes structure and elegance, creating a well-balanced wine that appeals to a wide audience.

On the nose, Nicolás Catena Zapata 2019 captivates with intense aromas of ripe dark fruits such as blackberries and plums, beautifully interwoven with delicate floral notes and subtle spices. The maturation in oak barrels adds layers of vanilla and cocoa, enhancing the complexity of the aromatic profile and inviting exploration.

On the palate, this wine is full-bodied, offering a sumptuous, velvety mouthfeel that delights the senses. The initial impressions of luscious dark fruit flavours are complemented by well-integrated tannins and a vibrant acidity that provides freshness and balance. As the wine evolves, notes of chocolate and espresso emerge, alongside a delightful fusion of spices that enrich the tasting experience.

Highly rated by critics, including noteworthy scores from Wine Advocate and Vinous, Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata 2019 is perfect for special occasions or for cellaring, with potential aging for several years. Whether enjoyed now or in the future, this remarkable wine is a true testament to the Catena family's commitment to quality and innovation in Argentine winemaking, ensuring a memorable experience that reflects the spirit of its exceptional terroir. Indulge in the flavours of this distinguished vintage and appreciate the legacy it embodies.

THE WINE ADVOCATE 96 points
Reviewed by: Luis Gutiérrez
Drink Date: 2025 - 2032
The 2019 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary (Adrianna Vineyard), 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 has 13.7% alcohol, mellow acidity and good freshness, reflecting a relatively cool season, and comes though as elegant, with the stuffing and balance to develop nicely over the years in bottle. 66,000 bottles were filled in January 2021.
Some of the vineyards from Catena are suffering from phylloxera, and parts of some vineyards have to be grubbed up and replanted.
Published: Nov 30, 2022

JANE ANSON 97 points
A sit up and take notice wine. Inky colour, smooth tannins, still young and crouched but already combining subtlety and confidence. On the palate, you get a wall of liquorice, crushed cardamom, rosemary, cassis, liqueur, all expertly delivered by winemaker Fernando Buscema. Sensational wine. Tasted twice, same impression each time, of a wine full of life and interest. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.

VINOUS 96 points
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. - Joaquín Hidalgo

JANCIS ROBINSON 17 points
Harvest was up to three weeks early in some plots. 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 28% Cabernet Franc. This represents the highest proportion of Cabernet Franc in the blend by 10% – the cooler year gave it the herbal edge desired by the winemaker. This is the second-coolest vintage of the last decade after 2016, with dramatically reduced yields.
Purple fruit and flowers give a powerful, aromatic sweetness to the nose. The palate has a graphite and dried-herb edge, which must be due to the high proportion of Cabernet Franc. Chalky and peppery through the middle, this has just the right level of edginess to make it intriguing. Layered and persistent in its floral character on the finish. (TP)

DECANTER 94 points
Tasted by: Georgina Hindle
(at Bordeaux, 24 Aug 2022)
Drinking Window: 2024 - 2045
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.

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ABOUT CATENA ZAPATA
Catena Zapata is a prestigious winery located in the Mendoza region of Argentina, renowned for pioneering high-quality Malbec and other varietals. Founded in 1902 by Italian immigrant Nicola Catena, the winery has become synonymous with excellence and innovation in Argentinian winemaking. Under the leadership of Laura Catena, who has played a crucial role in enhancing the reputation of Argentinian wines, Catena Zapata continues to push the boundaries of viticulture and oenology.

The winery is committed to sustainable practices and meticulous vineyard management. Its high-altitude vineyards, ranging from 3,000 to 5,000 feet above sea level, allow for grapes to develop distinct characteristics due to the unique terroir, including intense sunlight, cooler temperatures, and well-drained soils. This approach results in grapes with exceptional quality and flavour, allowing Catena Zapata to create wines that embody the essence of the region.

Catena Zapata is particularly celebrated for its Malbec, which showcases the variety's rich flavours and velvety texture. The winery also produces notable Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, and other blends, each exhibiting a commitment to quality and authenticity. The vinification process is meticulous, often involving small-batch fermentation and aging in premium French and American oak barrels, enhancing the wines’ complexity and depth.

Over the years, Catena Zapata has garnered numerous accolades and high ratings from prestigious wine critics and publications, solidifying its status as a top-tier choice for wine enthusiasts. The winery's dedication to quality and craftsmanship reflects the rich heritage of Argentinian winemaking and invites consumers to explore the diverse, vibrant flavours of the region. Whether enjoyed at celebrations or paired with everyday meals, Catena Zapata wines promise an exceptional tasting experience that highlights the artistry behind each bottle.