With a history going back over 100 years, the Catena family could easily be considered the “First Family” of Argentine Wine and Nicolas Catena Zapata, the country’s First Growth. 1997 was the first vintage for this cuvee, a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. After its 2001 release, it was included in blind tastings throughout the U.S. and Europe with Latour, Haut Brion, Solaia, Caymus and Opus One and consistently placed first or second. Luis Gutierrez of Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate mentions that the 2010 vintage “has to be one of their finest” so when our first allocation finally arrived, I naturally had to try one!
Bodega Catena Zapata began in 1902 when Nicolas Catena planted his first Malbec vineyard in Mendoza. His son, Domingo, increased their holdings, making the Catena family one of the largest vineyard holders in Mendoza. It was third generation Nicolas Catena that truly pushed the envelope. Little by little, he sold off much of the bulk end of their holdings in search of higher altitude vineyards to make better quality Malbec as well as other varietals. The 1997 vintage was exceptional for Cabernet Sauvignon which is why it was that vintage when he began bottling the Nicolas Catena Zapata cuvee.
Current vintages like the 2010 are about 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Malbec. The grapes are sourced from the La Piramide, Domingo, Adrianna and Nicasia Vineyards. Each is at a slightly different elevation with slightly different soils including alluvial loam, clay, gravel, and limestone deposits, helping to create a more diverse flavor and aromatic profile for the grapes and wine.
Luis Gutierrez’s 95 point review describes the 2010 as “fresh and balanced” with “good ripeness of fruit” and great acidity. I’d have to agree, noticing aromas of brambly blackberry, herbs, vanilla, leather, violets and minerals. The cool black cherry and cassis fruit flavors were well integrated with licorice and a long botanical yet spicy finish. It is a wonderful wine to enjoy now and for at least five more years to come. As its release price was $135, I’d suggest not hesitating on our limited remaining inventory priced to move at $79.99.