The 2005 Catena Malbec has a deep, dark violet color, with pronounced blackish-purple tones. The aromatic structure is full of ripe dark fruits, floral notes of violets and lavender, and touches of vanilla and spice. The palate begins with sweet black cherry fruits and has a generous texture. There are marked mineral notes as well as layers of chocolate and spicy black pepper. The finish is soft and sweet with ripe tannins and vibrant acidity.

"Catena's 2005 Malbec was sourced from four vineyards, was aged for 12 months in 70% French oak, 20% new, and 30% new American oak, and bottled unfined and unfiltered. Deep crimson-colored, it has an attractive perfume of cedar, pencil lead, mineral, and black cherry. Medium-bodied, it has a silky texture, serious depth and length for a wine of this price, well-concealed tannin, and a pure finish. Although it can be enjoyed now, this stylish Malbec will continue to improve with several more years in the bottle. It is a great value. When all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference – the standard of excellence for comparing all others. The brilliant, forward-thinking Nicolas Catena remains in charge, with his daughter, Laura, playing an increasingly large role. The Catena Zapata winery is an essential destination for fans of both architecture and wine in Mendoza. It is hard to believe, given the surge in popularity of Malbec in recent years, that Catena Zapata only began exporting Malbec to the United States in 1994."
-Wine Advocate