Catena Zapata Nicolas Red Blend 2018

$87.95

14.00% /

750ml /

Vintage: 2018

WA 96
DEC 96
JS 96
WIL 97

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Winery: Bodega Catena Zapata
Varietal: Red Blend Wine
Wine Style: Red Wine - Rich and Intense
Wine Country Of Origin: Argentina
State / Province: Mendoza
Sub Region / AVA: Uco Valley / Altamira

Brand: Bodega Catena Zapata

Wine Description

With its inaugural 1997 vintage, Nicolas Catena Zapata became the first luxury cuve from Argentina to be exported around the world. The wine recreates the ‘Original Bordeaux Blend’ of the 18th and 19th Centuries, when Malbec dominated over Merlot and was in equal standing to Cabernet Sauvignon in the Medoc. Prephylloxeric Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon massale selections of ungrafted vines give rise to this wine, opening a window to the past from the mountain vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina.
The harvest is done by hand, and some parcels are fermented as whole bunches to enhance tannic structure and freshness. The fermentation takes place in 500 liter oak barrels, concrete and stainless-steel tanks, at temperatures of 26-28ºC for about 10-15 days. The post-fermentative maceration lasts between 5 and 10 days.
The wine carries out its malolactic fermentation and is then aged in French oak barrels for 18 months.
Winemaker: Fernando Buscema
Varietal: 65% Cabernet Sauvignon, 35% Malbec

Reviews (4)

4 reviews for Catena Zapata Nicolas Red Blend 2018

Rated 4 out of 5

WA – March 23, 2023

The 2018 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary (Adrianna vineyard, with the Cabernet Sauvignon interplanted with some Cabernet Franc) and 35% Malbec from Altamira (Nicasia vineyard). They no longer use grapes from Agrelo, and this is also a lot higher in Malbec than in other recent vintages. So, it has a very different profile, a charge that started in 2017, with more contained ripeness and more freshness, and the wine is intense, keeping some of the Cabernet character (tobacco, blackberries) and the floral notes from Malbec. It comes through as balanced and harmonious, with very fine tannins and a long finish and perfect ripeness. This aims to revive the style of Bordeaux before phylloxera, from massal selection of ungrafted vines.
Rated 4 out of 5

DEC – March 23, 2023

Made with grapes from pre-phylloxera massal selections of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from the Uco Valley, this blend from Catena Zapata was fermented in oak, cement and steel and aged for 18 months in barrels. It has a complex nose of red and dark fruit, sweet spices, notes of Earl Grey tea, gunpowder, cedar, violets and eucalyptus. Broad and free-flowing, the compact core offers fine tannins and intriguing cellar potential.
Rated 4 out of 5

JS – March 23, 2023

Aromas of blackberries, grilled meat, blackcurrants and wet earth. Full-bodied, tight and compact with dense dark berries and currants. Linear and long with a tight, focused palate. A blend of cabernet sauvignon and malbec.
Rated 4 out of 5

WIL – March 23, 2023

The 2018 Catena Zapata Nicolas is a standout wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine delivers aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, earth, and oak. Pair it with a grilled, well-marbled ribeye.

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Critical Acclaim

WA 96

Wine Advocate

The 2018 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with 65% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary (Adrianna vineyard, with the Cabernet Sauvignon interplanted with some Cabernet Franc) and 35% Malbec from Altamira (Nicasia vineyard). They no longer use grapes from Agrelo, and this is also a lot higher in Malbec than in other recent vintages. So, it has a very different profile, a charge that started in 2017, with more contained ripeness and more freshness, and the wine is intense, keeping some of the Cabernet character (tobacco, blackberries) and the floral notes from Malbec. It comes through as balanced and harmonious, with very fine tannins and a long finish and perfect ripeness. This aims to revive the style of Bordeaux before phylloxera, from massal selection of ungrafted vines.

DEC 96

Decanter

Made with grapes from pre-phylloxera massal selections of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from the Uco Valley, this blend from Catena Zapata was fermented in oak, cement and steel and aged for 18 months in barrels. It has a complex nose of red and dark fruit, sweet spices, notes of Earl Grey tea, gunpowder, cedar, violets and eucalyptus. Broad and free-flowing, the compact core offers fine tannins and intriguing cellar potential.

JS 96

James Suckling

Aromas of blackberries, grilled meat, blackcurrants and wet earth. Full-bodied, tight and compact with dense dark berries and currants. Linear and long with a tight, focused palate. A blend of cabernet sauvignon and malbec.

WIL 97

Wilfred Wong

The 2018 Catena Zapata Nicolas is a standout wine. TASTING NOTES: This wine delivers aromas and flavors of black fruit, licorice, earth, and oak. Pair it with a grilled, well-marbled ribeye.