Mathusalem Nicolas Catena Zapata - Mendoza 2015
Many in Mendoza have started calling 2015 "el año Bordelés", or "the Bordelais year" because of the cool summer, early autumn rains and generally low alcohols and high acidities in the main red varieties. The best Malbecs of 2015 have a refinement and elegance that only occur in very cool years. What was key in the 2014-2015 season was parcelization and low-yields farming. The Malbec in parcels with stony and limestone soils were undisputed super-stars. Because of the warm winter, the harvest was between 10 and 15 days earlier than usual.
- La Pirámide Vineyard: The winter was mild, but we had two important frosts on October 10 and 11 which required lighting of anti-frost fires. The Cabernet Sauvignon was fortunately saved.
There was higher than usual rain in spring and summer, which allowed for a completely dry harvested (no irrigation) growing and harvest season. Thanks to leaf removal and patience, we had a beautiful late harvest of the Cabernet Sauvignon in April. These wines are mineral, classic in style, and we predict that they will age well.