Expect black currant, dark cherry, plum, cedar, mocha, and a touch of dried herb with full body and refined, structured tannins. The 2009, 2010, and 2011 vintages in Mendoza were all strong, with 2010 generally considered the most classically structured of the three. At 13–15 years from vintage, these should be drinking in a balanced, integrated window.
- Varietal
- Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend (typically Cabernet-dominant, varying by vintage)
- Region
- Argentina / Mendoza
- Body
- Full
- Style
- dry red, age-worthy, structured, French oak-aged
The producer
Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's most influential wineries, run by Nicolás Catena Zapata, who is widely credited with elevating the global reputation of Argentine wine. The Nicolás Catena Zapata bottling is the estate's flagship Bordeaux-style blend, sourced from high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo.
What critics say
The Nicolás Catena Zapata is consistently rated among the very top wines of South America, regularly scoring in the high-90s and frequently cited as Argentina's most age-worthy red.
Pairing
Grilled ribeye, slow-braised short rib, lamb shoulder with smoked paprika