2012 Malbec Nicasia
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Tasting notes
Sitting within an alluvial fan where the vines feel the energy of the water below and the rocks are as big as cars, the 2012 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard is grown in limestone calcareous soil, the vines planted from a massal selection in 1996. It’s refined and silky on the palate, midweight, with well-resolved tannins at this point. It was 10% whole cluster fermented in new French oak foudres and 100% barrel fermented before spending two years in one- and two-year-old barrels. It’s a grand wine, a testament to Malbec’s aging qualities, melding together into one seamless expression of violet, dark chocolate, and wet stone. Drink now and over the next 10 years.
Critic scores
Average Score
James Suckling
Luis Gutiérrez, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
(from 35-year-old vines): Bright ruby-red. Deep aromas of cassis, licorice and menthol lifted by a mineral component. Hugely rich and dense but with a superb balance of sweetness and acidity and a vibrant element of graphite minerality. Very primary but already seamless in texture. Finishes with outstanding length and suave, broad, palate-saturating tannins. Still an infant.
The 2012 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard feels fresher and more harmonious than the 2011, when in reality the vintage character is the opposite. It is sourced from the vineyard that names the wine and that is located in Altamira. The Malbec grapes fermented in open barrels and cement vats with 15% whole-cluster Cabernet Franc. There is one extra level of precision and harmony here. It has an elegant nose and the palate almost reflects the tension in the skin of the grapes with its a velvety texture and great acidity. This is really tasty and long, it could be the best Nicasia ever produced. 8,000 bottles produced.
Vivid aromas of currants and blackberries. So much dark fruit. Violets too. Full body, yet buttressed with a center palate of salty acidity and firm tannins. From grapes grown in Altamira. Persistent and vibrant. Drink or hold. May 2016, www.jamessuckling.com
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.