Winemaker Notes
Ripe black and red currants, raspberries, and an elegant touch of French oak. Very complex and expressive palate, with a creamy violet flavor and notes of ripe blueberries, cassis, vanilla, and spice cake.
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2022 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard was sourced from Paraje Altamira and aged for up to 21 months in oak barrels. Aromas of violets and lavender blend with cassis and intense blue fruit notes. Delicate yet juicy with a plush texture, it shows fine oak integration. It's precise in its fruit expression, finishing long with refined structure and a polished impression. The fresh, dry 2022 vintage lends additional nuance to this delicious wine. Compared to Catena Zapata’s single-vineyard wines, Nicasia typically receives less attention, but this is a distinctive, captivating Malbec in and of itself.
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James Suckling
This is concentrated, with dense dark fruit. The nose shows blue fruit, tar and tapenade. The palate is juicy and medium- to full-bodied, with delineated concentration, dark fruit flavors and voluminous presence balanced by precise tannins.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.