2005 Nicolas Catena Zapata Argentina Red

2005 Nicolas Catena Zapata

98 RP

Featured Review

The flagship wines begin with the purple/black-colored 2005 Nicolas Catena Zapata, a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Malbec. The fruit was sourced from four of the estate’s finest high-elevation vineyards, and aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. The brooding bouquet delivers pain grille, mineral, violet, scorched earth, pepper, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry aromas leading to a dense, opulent wine with gobs of savory fruit, ripe tannins, terrific concentration, and a 60-second finish. Allow it 6-8 years in the cellar to reveal its full potential and enjoy it from 2015 to 2030. Robert Parker Wine Advocate

Robert Parker | 98 RP

2005 was a cool vintage with generally low yields. This is made up of 78% Cabernet from Agrelo and Uco, and 22% Malbec from Gualtallary, aged for 24 months in French oak barriques. It has a deep, brooding, Cabernet-dominant nose with cassis, saddle leather, fig and cedar, and a very pretty, light floral touch. The palate has a dense, concentrated core with firm, rounded tannins. It's only just beginning to open up, revealing some leafy secondary characteristics. It will age majestically. Drinking Window 2019 - 2035.

Decanter | 95 DEC

(this represents a selection of the best fruit from the Catena Zapata vineyards) Full ruby. Superripe aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate and licorice, enlivened by minerals, violet, pepper and herbs. Then penetrating, sharply delineated and impressively concentrated, with a serious backbone supporting its very fresh currant and mineral flavors. This strikes me as less exotic and porty than the 2004 version, not to mention less exotic than the 2005 Nicasia Vineyard bottling. Still a tad tight in the middle, but the vibrant, echoing finish suggests that this wine will have even more to say in five or six years.

Vinous Media | 94 VM

Catena's signature wine is Cabernet Sauvignon-based, and it's a purple haze of dense, exotic aromas that lean toward lavender, flower petals and black fruit. It's saturated and fruity to the point of no return, with impeccable structure and mouthfeel. An avalanche of flavor and style. Drink now through 2015.

Wine Enthusiast | 94 WE

Dark, but very alluring, with inviting incense, warm espresso and molten chocolate cake notes up front, followed by hoisin sauce, graphite, mulled black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. The long finish courses with fruit and loads of buried grip. Drink now through 2013. 3,500 cases made.

Wine Spectator | 94 WS

Type of Wine	Argentina Red : If there were ever a single word that could perfectly describe fine Argentinian wines, it would be "purity." Red wine lovers could easily become spoiled for choice when that choice involves varietals such as Malbec or Tempranillo. With a complete dedication to a given grape, each bottle tells a compelling story, so have a seat and listen.
Varietal	Proprietary Blend : Proprietary Blend is a general term used to indicate that a wine is comprised of multiple grape varietals which are either “proprietary” to the winery or is blended and does not meet the required maximum or minimum percentage of a particular varietal. This also is the case for the grape’s place of origin, especially for region, appellation or vineyard designated wines. There are endless examples of blended wines which are labeled as “Proprietary Blend” and in conjunction with each region’s stipulated wine laws and regulations makes for a vast blanket for wines to fall into. Perhaps the simplest example is California; if a wine is to be labeled as Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon, it is required to have at least 75% of the varietal (Cabernet Sauvignon) and 85% of the fruit must be cultivated from the Napa Valley wine district. If the wine does not meet the requirements, it is then labeled as Proprietary Blend.
Country	Argentina : Argentina’s landscape is marked by its extreme geographical features; from the soaring, rocky peaks of the Andes’ and coastal Patagonia to the arid soils of Mendoza to the fertile Pampas lowlands in the east. Its vast array of landscapes, climate and geography, along with truly accomplished and passionate vintners has helped galvanize its name among the very best wine producing regions in the world. Its adopted grape variety, Malbec, is now responsible for some of Argentina’s most famous wines and has helped to elevate its ever growing wine industry. Vines have been cultivated in Argentina since the 1500’s; however it was not until the 1990s when its true potential was recognized, drawing the attention of accomplished winemakers to its diverse soils. After making a name for himself in California, Paul Hobbs’ foresight and vision led him to cultivate Argentinian soil. More than merely an exploration of terroirs, Vina Cobos was created to showcase what is possible with one of the world’s most compelling noble varietals, Malbec, in a land where its soul soars above all others. Its inaugural vintage marked a milestone, but two decades later, Cobos made history when the 2011 vintage Cobos Malbec became the country’s first professionally rated 100-point wine, defying existing standards and firmly positioning Malbec and Argentina on the international wine scene. This accomplishment became the blueprint that many others would follow. Today, the high altitude deserts have given rise to a high quality wine industry. The region of Mendoza has gained global recognition for its quality production of Malbec, the ubiquitous and most compelling varietal cultivated in Argentina. Three quarters of Argentinian wine production takes place in Mendoza with Mendoza Malbec accounting for 85% of all Malbec produced in the country. In addition to its flagship varietal, Argentina also boasts significant plantings of Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Bonarda and its signature, aromatic white varietal, Torrontes. In more recent years, vineyards have been planted to Cabernet Franc, Pinot Noir and Tempranillo. Despite its location near the equator, extreme temperatures are muted by the high altitudes and cold mountain air. Argentina is home to a world-topping vineyard and currently the highest elevation being cultivated at a whopping 9,900 feet above sea level. The Andes’ play a significant role in its climate as it casts a rain shadow over its foothills, allowing very little rain fall and a slow growing season. This slow ripening period leads to concentrated fruit, balanced sugars and acidity in the grapes. From the southern reaches of Patagonia to the northern regions of Salta and Catamarca, the land plays a vital role in the winegrowing and making practices here. Its terroir is well suited to not only Malbec, but to the many varieties in the country’s portfolio. Argentina boasts an impressive 223,500 hectares under vine with an annual wine output of 10.8 million hectoliters. The country has recently edged Australia’s production and now sits at fifth among all leading producers in the world. Argentina has become one of the most important wine producing countries on Earth, the largest region in South America and one of the principal faces of New World winemaking. Argentina is a remarkable land; one which truly tells its story through the wine itself.