Winemaker Notes
#76 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2025
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2023 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard underwent 60 days of maceration with whole clusters in concrete before aging in first-, second- and third-use barriques. It perfectly captures the distinctively floral, energetic and refined profile of Paraje Altamira, with hints of savory, meaty complexity that develop quickly in the glass. The palate is silky, pure and lively yet retains depth and textural power, culminating in a saturated, vibrant and intensely focused finish that continually expands with further aeration. It's a fantastic contrast to the Gualtallary bottlings from Adrianna Vineyard.
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Vinous
The 2023 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard aged for 16–21 months in 100% French oak (second and third use). Deep purple in hue, it opens with fruit-driven aromas and notable intensity for the year. Fresh plum, delicate blackberry and floral hints, including soft lavender, envelop the nose. On the palate, it feels leaner than previous vintages, with fine but reactive tannins and lively energy. The vibrant 2023 reflects the vintage with muscle and clarity.
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Wine Spectator
A big, almost full-bodied style but opens with subtle, elegant notes of dried violet, thyme and dried orange peel that give way to a powerful, concentrated, structured core built around berry and plum flavors. There’s still Malbec’s hallmark velvety texture, but it is a contrast to the wave of chalky minerality. Finishes with glints of cassis and fig around structured tannins. Hands off for now.
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.
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.