Winemaker Notes
"Opaque purple-colored, it displays an expressive perfume of wood smoke, mineral, scorched earth, allspice, black cherry and blackberry. On the palate it is full-bodied with gobs of savory fruit, a smooth texture, sweet flavors and superb depth." 96 Points,
WineAdvocate
"This aims for power, delivering dark, dense layers of fig sauce, roasted plum and warm currant preserve all layered with dark chocolate, espresso and black licorice. The long, dense finish is really well-built. Best from 2009 through 2015." 94 Points,
Wine Spectator
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2005 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard from Paraje Altamira includes 5% Cabernet Franc. It reveals aromas of dried black fruit, lavender and black tea. Complex and intense, it features a chalky texture and a refined expression of herbs. The palate is long and complete.
Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high-altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to export a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high-altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.
Most distinguished and celebrated from Argentina’s Mendoza, Malbec has seen runaway success since the early 2000s. Mendoza’s agreeable, continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters allows the perfect conditions for growing outstanding Malbec. This grape is easy to like for its lusty, deep flavors and aromas of blackberry, plum, red cherry, autumn spice and tilled earth. It’s easy to find delicious, fruit-driven, affordable everyday examples and in prices beyond, quite exceptional ones with dense, supple textures that make them capable of aging.