Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Catena Zapata
Label Name:
 
Nicolas Zapata Cab Malbec
Vintage:
 
2004
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Uco Valley, Mendoza (Adrianna, Altamira vineyards)
Volume:
 
6000ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec (78% Cab, 22% Malbec)
Method:
 
Hand-harvested, de-stemmed whole-berry fermentation in 225–500L new French oak (barrel/foudre) with wild yeasts; malolactic in barrel and 24 months ageing in French oak; unfined and unfiltered.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Concentrated black currant, cassis and black cherry with violet, espresso, saddle-leather and dark chocolate notes; dense, elegant texture, firm grainy tannins and a long, mineral finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Grilled ribeye or tomahawk steak with chimichurri, roasted lamb, aged hard cheeses (Manchego, aged cheddar); Asian: Korean BBQ (galbi/bulgogi), Chinese char siu or braised beef, Malaysian beef rendang, shiitake mushroom hotpot.
Vineyard Info:
 
Catena Zapata, founded by Nicolás Catena, is Argentina’s leading high‑altitude pioneer. The flagship Nicolas Catena Zapata is a premium blend from high-altitude Adrianna and Altamira sites, showcasing Catena’s long-term research and single-vineyard selection.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 98; James Suckling 95; Decanter 96; Vinous (Stephen Tanzer) 92+; Wine Spectator 92