2003 Nicolas Catena Zapata
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Tasting notes
From La Pirámide Vineyard (950 m), Agrelo District, Luján de Cuyo (Cabernet Sauvignon); Domingo Vineyard (1,120 m), Villa Bastías District, Tupungato Region, Uco Valley (Cabernet Sauvignon); Adrianna Vineyard (1,450 m), Gualtallary District, Tupungato Region, Uco Valley (Malbec); and Nicasia Vineyard (1,095 m), Altamira en La Consulta District, Uco Valley (Malbec). 72% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Malbec. Mix of Taransaud and Mercurey barrels. This was the first example of a Catena red being fermented in barrel and was the result of Alejandro Vigil’s first visit to Burgundy in 1999 when he saw similarities between Malbec and Pinot Noir. Treacle and freshness on the nose. Still lots of fruit and slight dustiness. Lots of vigour. (JR)
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
(13.9% alcohol; 5.7 g/l acidity; 3.72 pH): Deep red with ruby highlights. Malbec-dominated aromas of black fruits, violet, licorice and spices. Thick and rich but not especially sweet, in a slightly medicinal style; very Malbec and less complex and refined than the 2001. Finishes with big, chewy tannins and a touch of dryness. This youthfully tight wine needs patience. According to the winery, 2003 featured a cool, long growing season that was especially strong for Cabernet Sauvignon, but today it's the Malbec that's most apparent.
70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 30% Malbec from Agrelo and Tupungato; aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak barrels. At last, some fine restrained dark fruit on the nose with sweet juicy fruit on the mid palate. Subtle, fine tannins. Finely structured. Class and elegance AND fine pure fruit. ( JH)
About the producer
Bodega Catena Zapata has been instrumental both in the development of fine wine production in Argentina and in realising the full potential of the Malbec grape.