2004 Nicolas Catena Zapata
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Tasting notes
Softened to a sunset brick colour at 20 years old, grilled and smoky turmeric spice on the opening, this has a generosity and warmth to it that is totally delicious. Waves of blackberry and olive pit, oak influence still in evidence, giving campfire notes that weave through the fine tannic frame. 80% new oak for ageing.
Critic scores
Average Score
Julia Harding MW, jancisrobinson.com
Jancis Robinson MW
More reviews and scores
Attractively open-knit scent with the classic Malbec violet and black cherry. On the palate, the door is flung open: broad, chewy black fruit with meatiness, fine tannins, high acid and great complexity. (RH)
(14% alcohol; 5.8 g/l acidity; 3.72 pH): Full medium red. Vibrant, expressive scents of cassis, black cherry, licorice and violet. Densely packed and quite firmly built, conveying terrific juicy intensity and a restrained sweetness to its youthful dark fruit flavors. Some peppery acidity gives this very penetrating wine a slight leanness. With its firm vertebral column, this wine still needs time to gain in pliancy. Incidentally, this was the first vintage of the Nicolás Catena Zapata to include some Malbec vinified with whole clusters, and that no doubt explains its peppery element.
Dark and very fruity and lively. Maybe not that subtle but satisfying and well balanced. Congratulations to whoever the maker is on having produced a wine way back in 2004 that is still tasting well today. Transparent. Argentine. Sweet but not too sweet. Great balance and interest! Bravo. (JR)
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.