Catena Zapata Malbec Nicolas Mendoza 2019

97 POINTS: Tim Atkin, Decanter 
95 POINTS: James Suckling
96 POINTS: Vinous

Located in the far southerly growing region of Altamira en La Consulta, the Nicasia vineyard is the only planting of the special Catena Selection of Malbec cuttings in this traditional area for Malbec. La Consulta was Nicolás Catena’s father Domingo’s prefered Malbec location. 10% whole cluster and 90% whole berry fruit is hand-loaded into 225-500 liter new French oak barrels for a 100% barrel fermentation for a period of 17 days, allowing seamless oak integration. Wild yeasts. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 24 months, followed by 24 months of aging in bottle before release.

“From Paraje Altamira, the 2019 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard was made with grapes from a selected set of rows in Parcel #1 of the Nicasia Vineyard and aged for 24 months in new and second use French barrels. Dense, bright purple in the glass. The fruitiness of the complex, attractive nose is down to the region. The nose delivers a mixture of fresh plum and blackberry with lavender and violet aromas,

hints of country herb and notes from the aging process. Broad but delicate in the mouth with good energy. The palate is gently sculpted by chalky tannins made juicy by the freshness. The fruity intensity is enhanced by the texture. A superb Malbec.”
—96 Points, Vinous

“Intense nose of blackberries, dark plums, stones, tar, tea leaves and licorice. Full-bodied with firm, focused tannins. Compact and precise. Mineral yet caressing finish. Give this time. A little viognier co-fermented with malbec. Try after 2024.”
—95 Points, James Suckling

ABV: 13.7%