1997 Nicolas Catena Zapata
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Tasting notes
(14.4% alcohol; 5.77 g/l acidity; 3.45 pH): Full ruby-red. Deep aromas of cassis, black cherry, menthol and chocolate, lifted by a minty nuance. Very smooth and fresh, with its juicy dark fruit flavors enlivened by elements of crushed stone, eucalyptus and spicy oak. Relies as much on its acidity as on its tannins for structure and balance. Not a powerful style but this sexy Cabernet is full of life. This wine began its life a bit compact, noted winemaker Alejandro Vigil, and still comes across as slightly clenched compared to most of the subsequent vintages. But it's a distinctly claret-like drink.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
More reviews and scores
The 1997 Cabernet Sauvignon Nicolas Catena Zapata is a selection of the finest barrels in the Catena Alta cellars. About 5% Malbec was blended into this 1,000-case lot. This wine may also be marketed in some countries under the name Cuvee Unico. It reveals a dense black/purple color as well as a sensational nose of creme de cassis liqueur intermixed with toasty oak. Unevolved and supple, with enormous concentration and richness in addition to a funky, grilled meat flavor, this huge, full-bodied wine is surprisingly well-balanced and symmetrical for its size. It should drink well for two decades. Importer: Billington Distributors, Inc., Lorton, VA; tel. (703) 541-0115.
Medium red. Some initial bottle stink quickly dissipated to show flamboyant Graves-like aromas of redcurrant, plum, tobacco, cedar, graphite and spice cake. Sweet and lush but firmed by bright acids; burnished flavors of plum, chocolate and loam. Fairly large-scaled Argentine cabernet, but wears its alcohol gracefully. Finishes with dusty, fine tannins. Began a bit clenched but blossomed beautifully with aeration. This reminded me of a ripe-year Bordeaux from a generation ago.
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.