Catena Zapata Argentino Vineyard Malbec 2011

Professional Ratings

• 95 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
  I was truly impressed with the nose of the 2011 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, a blend of grapes from Adrianna (Gualtallary) and Nicasia (Altamira) vineyards in the Uco Valley. Even if the grapes are sourced from the same vineyards as the Adrianna and Nicosia bottling, this wine is quite different. Here the plots are selected from the granitic parts that give it a different, austere texture. There is a seamless granularity with the tannins that go in a straight line, and keep going and going. Super! 11,000 bottles were filled.
• 93 Wine & Spirits
  This come from two vineyards in the Uco Valley, one in La Consulta at 3,600 feet, the other in Gualtallary, 1,000 feet higher. And as is typical of this bottling, it defies the concept of malbec as a soft and gentle grape. Here strong tannins bind to imposing acidity, creating a powerful red that will need years to resolve. However, the fruit is so lovely in its ripeness and depth that it’s hard not to succumb to the temptation to open this now with an aged Manchego. Your decision.
• 92 James Suckling
  A malbec with richness yet subtlety plus dark berry, hints of nuts and cream. Full body, with soft and silky tannins and a savory finish. Drink or hold.
• 91 Wine Spectator
  Offers lots of peppery notes to the sinewy dried berry and roasted plum flavors. Well-structured, with medium-grained tannins supporting the finish, which features alluring accents of paprika. Drink now through 2018
• 91 Wine Enthusiast
  Meaty, minty scents accent core cassis, jammy blackberry and oaky aromas. In the mouth, this benchmark Argentinean Malbec is tight and structured, with no flab or excess weight. An exotic mix of blueberry, cassis and Middle East spices finish long, with oak-driven lemony snap. Drink through 2020.