Nicolas Catena Zapata - Mendoza 2019

matthewjukes.com

18,5 / 20

byMatthew Jukesthe9/14/2022

Perhaps it is no surprise that this wine would make the grade because it has been a superstar for many years. Not usually a style that leaps out at me, this 2019 has an exotic perfume that brings excitement and enviable grace to the deep core of fruit found on the palate, and it is this counterpoint of elegance and structure that caught my eye. It needs a decade to settle, but this is a great wine.

Anthocyanes

90 / 100

byYohan Castaingthe9/9/2022

À la fois frais et légèrement mentholé avec des notes de cassis et de fruits frais. Belle trame épicée à l'aération. Bouche légèrement animale, du jus, de la puissance et une fraicheur finale qui vient contrecarrer les légers phénols. 42 % de cabernet-sauvignon, 30 % de malbec et 28 % de cabernet franc.

Wine Advocate

96 / 100

byLuis Gutierrezthe8/31/2022

The 2019 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary (Adrianna vineyard) and 30% Malbec from Altamira (Nicasia vineyard) and a high percentage of Cabernet Franc (28%) also from Adrianna, which took the place of Cabernet Sauvignon. It fermented in small oak barrels, concrete and stainless steel tanks with a short post-fermentative maceration. Élevage was in first and second use French oak barrels and lasted for 18 months, including malolactic. This is always quite classical in style, with some spiciness from the barrels and hints of smoke and toast, still very young and undeveloped. It has the traditional Bordeaux blend character and is herbal, floral and spicy, with a beautiful texture, very nice balance and very fine, chalky tannins. 2019 was a very dry year, and the berries were small, very healthy and delivered powerful wines. It's 13.7% alcohol and has mellow acidity and good freshness, reflecting a relatively cool season, coming though as elegant and balanced with the stuffing and balance to develop nicely over the years in bottle. 66,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2021.

Decanter.com

94 / 100

byGeorgina Hindlethe8/24/2022

Richly scented on the nose. Concentrated and full on the palate, a serious wine with intention. Driving flavours of blackcurrant and black cherry with cinnamon spice and mineral saltiness abound on the palate with a touch of sweetness. Tannins are ripe and massy, plush and gently chewy but this has exceptional freshness that keeps the whole palate quite lifted and alive. Feels well worked and there is a sense of serious style to this. I like the expression - lovely nuance and finesse, the details are so appealing. Enjoy with some hearty food.

The Wine Independent

95 / 100

byLisa Perrotti-Brownthe8/24/2022

Composed of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec, and 28% Cabernet Franc, the 2019 Nicolas Catena Zapata is medium to deep garnet-purple in color. It requires a little coaxing to bring out notes of redcurrant jelly, blackcurrant pastilles, and fresh black plums, plus suggestions of candied violets, dark chocolate, and menthol. The medium-bodied palate is elegantly styled and tightly knit, with very fine-grained tannins and seamless freshness supporting the delicate red and black fruit layers, leading to a long and fragrant finish on this impressive wine.

Jane Anson

94 / 100

byJane Ansonthe6/2/2022

One of the classic Argentinian names, and one of the benchmark properties for the Place de Bordeaux. Very much on point in terms of estate signature - powerful, if subdued on the opening beats. This revs up through the mid palate, with grippy tannins, tons of black cherry, cassis and grilled oak, strays towards overpowered but pulls back to deliver crushed rock and black truffle on the finish. Clear ageing ability. Ungrafted vines, Fernando Buscema winemaker.

Jamessuckling.com

98 / 100

byJames Sucklingthe5/3/2022

This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc. Try this from 2024.

Vinous

96 / 100

byJoaquin Hidalgothe11/1/2021

The 2019 Nicolas Catena Zapata is a blend of 42% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec and 28% Cabernet Franc from the Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Having spent 18 months in new French barrels, it’s garnet red in hue. The 2019 has a nose of cedar, expressive, dark fruit notes such as plum and blackcurrant, gentle traces of sweet spices and herbs and a hint of amaretti. Broad and velvety in the mouth with a juicy palate and a delicate tea-like texture, the grip lends essential structure. This is a subtle, complex red of long-lasting flavor to which the excellent year has brought an extra level of finesse.