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Catena Zapata Nicolas 2020

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13.90% /
750ml /
Vintage: 2020

Bodega Catena Zapata’s Nicolas Catena Zapata 2020, meticulously crafted by winemaker Fernando Buscema, epitomizes the pinnacle of Argentine winemaking. This exceptional vintage, characterized by a dry climate and reduced yields, has produced grapes of remarkable concentration and ripeness, further enhancing the wine’s depth and complexity.

The Catena Zapata Nicolas 2020 exudes an intense, deep purple hue, accentuated with bluish-black tones, foretelling the richness within. Aromatically, it unveils a symphony of black fruits – blackberries, black cherries, black plums – elegantly intertwined with subtle notes of vanilla and dark chocolate. This aromatic complexity is further enriched by hints of green olive and a distinct stony minerality.

Upon tasting, the Catena Nicolas reveals an extraordinary complexity, a trait of its carefully composed blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, and 21% Malbec. It unfolds in layers of red currant, eucalyptus, and black pepper, with a core of black cherries and blackberries, transitioning seamlessly into cassis and a touch of saline minerality. The Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata 2020’s concentration is striking, its firm tannic structure hinting at the wine’s potential for aging. The finish is prolonged and indicative of the wine’s exceptional quality.

The Nicolas Catena 2020 has received widespread critical acclaim, a testament to its outstanding quality. Awarded 97 points by Wine Advocate, the wine is celebrated for its power and classical balance, still hinting at its oak heritage. Decanter, also bestowing 97 points, praises its aromatic complexity and compelling nature. Under the guidance of Alejandro Vigil and Fernando Buscema, this wine not only offers generosity and definition but also promises a stunning evolution with age. Echoing this sentiment, James Suckling awards it 98 points, highlighting its class, complexity, and Bordeaux-like elegance.

The Nicolas Zapata wine, as embodied in the 2020 vintage, stands as a vibrant testament to Argentina’s viticultural history, showcasing the extraordinary potential of Mendoza’s mountain vineyards. The Zapata Nicolas, in its many facets, represents more than just a wine; it is a narrative of passion, terroir, and excellence.

29 reviews for Catena Zapata Nicolas 2020

  1. Mark Barber

    The earthy tones of the Catena Nicolas wine are beautifully balanced with dark fruit and licorice notes. It’s a wine that leaves an impression.

  2. Basil Mooney

    The Catena Zapata Nicolas is a robust wine with a delightful raspberry and mint flavour, with a hint of cinnamon that adds to its charm.

  3. Mark Mckinney

    The Catena Zapata Nicolas is an absolute delight, with a dominant oak and blackberry flavour that lingers on the palate.

  4. James Villanueva

    The Zapata Nicolas is a smoky, earthy wine with a peppery kick. It’s a wine that’s bold and memorable, yet surprisingly smooth.

  5. Cathryn Coleman

    The Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is truly a revelation. It’s a symphony of dark fruit and licorice, with a lovely finish of cedar and blueberry. A perfect companion for a cozy evening.

  6. Tony Maher

    Just tried the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata. The cigar box and mocha notes are intriguing and the hint of clove adds a warming spice that’s just perfect for chilly evenings.

  7. Nancy Randolph

    The Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is a sensory journey. With every sip, you can taste the raspberry, mint, and cinnamon. The prune note gives it a unique twist that’s truly memorable.

  8. Ann Culbreth

    With a punch of black fruit and a hint of tobacco, the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is no ordinary wine. It’s bold, complex, and intriguing.

  9. Michael Zaller

    Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is a fine red that offers a symphony of flavours – cedar, blueberry, and a hint of violets. It’s a wine lover’s dream.

  10. Orlando Mersch

    Just had a glass of the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata last night. What a treat! The robust black fruit and tobacco notes hit just right, with a subtle hint of pepper to spice things up.

  11. Brent Thomas

    With a robust blend of dark fruit and licorice, the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is a wine that captivates and entices. It keeps you coming back for more.

  12. Julio Delzer

    The Nicolas Zapata wine is a sensual blend of cream, black plum, and jam, with a hint of cocoa and lavender. It’s a wine that’s hard to forget.

  13. Sherry Ogrady

    I’m in love with the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata. The notes of red fruit and minerals are delightfully fresh, and the dark chocolate and coffee undertones add a rich depth that’s simply irresistible.

  14. Robert Graffagnino

    The Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is a rich tapestry of red fruit and minerals, with a hint of dark chocolate. It’s a wine that’s both bold and refined.

  15. Chris Scott

    Nicolas Catena Zapata wine has a unique blend of vanilla and leather notes, with a subtle hint of chocolate – a true treat for the senses.

  16. Heather Erickson

    Just had the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata and it’s a flavor explosion. The black fruit and tobacco notes are robust and full-bodied. The hint of blackcurrant adds a nice tartness that balances it beautifully.

  17. Jessica Phillips

    What a wonderful discovery, the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is! The lavender note is surprisingly refreshing, and the oak and blackberry give it a nice body. A must-try for any wine lover.

  18. Melissa Schmidt

    The prune and cigar box notes of the Catena Nicolas wine, coupled with the underlying mocha and clove flavors, make it a must-try for all wine connoisseurs.

  19. Marquita Jenkins

    Nicolas Catena Zapata wine is a symphony of dark fruit and chocolate notes, with a subtle hint of leather. It’s rich and robust, yet balanced.

  20. Jennifer Esterly

    A glass of the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is like a journey of flavors – from the rich black fruit to the subtle notes of tobacco and blackcurrant.

  21. Barry Attridge

    A sip of the Nicolas Catena wine and you’ll get a rush of red fruit and minerals, followed by a lingering taste of dark chocolate and coffee.

  22. Gerald Bradt

    The Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is a treat for the senses. The vanilla and leather notes create a rich and complex flavor profile. The chocolate and plum notes add a delicious depth.

  23. Porfirio Patterson

    The Catena Zapata Nicolas is a delightful blend of oak and blackberry notes, with a hint of vanilla. It’s like a dance of flavors in your mouth.

  24. Victor Fujii

    The Nicolas Zapata wine is a harmony of cherry and smoke, with earthy undertones. It’s a wine that tells a story with every sip.

  25. Marshall Weitzel

    Wow, the Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is a delightful dance of flavors! The blackberry and vanilla notes are perfectly balanced with a hint of oak. The touch of leather gives it an earthy taste that I absolutely loved.

  26. Tina Gandy

    The Nicolas Catena is a vibrant mix of cedar, blueberry, and violet notes. It’s a wine that’s both elegant and exciting.

  27. Jody Richards

    The Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata is a beautiful blend of flavors. The cream and black plum notes are rich and comforting, while the jam adds a sweet touch. The hint of cocoa makes it a decadent treat.

  28. Bonnie Wolfe

    The Catena Nicolas is a sensory journey with notes of blackcurrant, cassis, and pepper. It’s a wine that lingers on your palate and in your memory.

  29. Robert Reed

    If you’re a fan of complex wines, you’ll love the Catena Zapata Nicolas. It has a blend of pepper and cherry notes, with a hint of smoky flavor.

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What does Catena mean in wine?

In the wine industry, "Catena" refers to Catena Zapata, a renowned winery in Argentina. Established in 1902 by Nicola Catena, it's famous for its role in elevating the status of Argentine wines, especially Malbec. The Catena family, particularly Dr. Nicolás Catena Zapata and his daughter Laura Catena, are known for pioneering high-altitude viticulture and innovative winemaking in Mendoza. The name "Catena" has become synonymous with high-quality Argentine wines, reflecting a blend of tradition, innovation, and excellence in winemaking.

What is the history of Catena wines?

In the early 20th century, Nicola Catena, who emigrated from Italy, established his initial vineyard in Mendoza, marking the beginnings of his wine legacy in Argentina. Continuously managed by his descendants, the winery is currently in the hands of the fourth generation of the Catena family. It stands out as one of the rare Argentine-owned family wine businesses in the country, maintaining its local roots and family ownership through the years

Where is Catena wine made?

Situated in Agrelo, a subregion of Mendoza, Argentina, Bodega Catena Zapata is a winery that has remained within the family since its inception. Notably, the winery's design, inspired by Mayan architectural principles, features a distinctive pyramid shape, setting it apart in both form and heritage.

Critical Acclaim

WA 97
Wine Advocate
2020 was a very dry and low-yielding year, with 20% to 30% less crop, and the grapes were picked early. The 2020 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with a blend of 54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 21% Malbec, higher in Franc than ever, for the first time more than Malbec, to compensate the warm and dry conditions. The wine is ripe and very peppery, with 13.9% alcohol and a pH of 3.64. It matured in new and second-use French oak barrels for 18 months. It was a healthy crop with concentration and ripeness, and the wine comes through as powerful and quite classical, still a little oaky, with power and balance.
DEC 97
Decanter
Wonderfully aromatic and nuanced on the nose, so alive and open. Energetic and lively on the palate, this has so much spark and brightness to it. Really compelling from the first sip, the tannins ample and cushioning the slick black fruit and accompanying savoury spices. Feels lean and taught, but with so much flair. Really a lovely expression, so generous and well defined. Youthful as you'd expect right now but when this softens it will be a beauty. Just gorgeous, with a minty fresh finish. Wine director Alejandro Vigil, winemaker Fernando Buscema.
JS 98
James Suckling
Cassis, tobacco, wet stones, iron and baking spices to the nose, showing class, restraint and complexity. Medium- to full-bodied on the palate with super fine tannins. Dry, super elegant and silky with a lengthy, polished finish. Really Bordeaux-like. Juicy and long. 54% cabernet sauvignon from Gualtallary, 25% cabernet franc from Altamira and 21% malbec from both areas. The highest portion of cabernet franc this year helped retain its nervy freshness! This is classy and beautiful. Harvested on March 12th and 13th. Drink or hold.

What does Catena Zapata Nicolas 2020 taste like?


Light
Bold
Smooth
Tannic
Dry
Sweet
Soft
Acidic
Earthy Flavors of the wine

leather, smoke, earthy

Red Fruit flavors of the wine

cherry, red fruit, raspberry

Oaky Flavors of the wine

oak, vanilla, chocolate

apple

Black Fruit Flavors of the wine

blackberry, plum, black fruit

Aromas and Flavors of Spices in the wine

pepper, licorice, mint

Citrus notes found in the wine

citrus, orange peel, orange

cream, cheese, yeast

Vegetal notes found in the wine

tomato leaf, bell pepper, grass

prune, raisin, fig

tropical

Floral aromas found in the wine

violet, lavender, perfume

Food Pairing with Catena Zapata Nicolas 2020

Our wine experts think this Red Wine Catena Zapata Nicolas 2020 wine would be a match made in heaven with these dishes. Bon appétit!

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