Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Catena Zapata
Label Name:
 
Nicolas Zapata Cab Malbec
Vintage:
 
2004
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Mendoza (Uco Valley / Luján de Cuyo — Adrianna, Nicasia, La Pirámide)
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
14%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon (78%), Malbec (22%)
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
5
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18°C

Awards/Ratings
Robert Parker/Wine Advocate: 98+ (Jay Miller). Vinous/Stephen Tanzer: 92+. James Suckling: 95. Wine Spectator: 92. Falstaff: 95 (tasting 2025)

Tasting Note
Concentrated black cassis, blackberry and black cherry with graphite, espresso, violet and saddle-leather notes; dense, powerful palate with ripe dark fruit, mineral lift, firm tannins and a very long finish.

Food Pairing
Western: grilled ribeye, Argentinian asado, roasted lamb, mushroom ragout, aged hard cheeses. Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), Peking duck, Sichuan beef, char siu, spicy noodle dishes.

Production Method
Hand-harvested; some Malbec whole-cluster vinified; barrel fermentation in 225–500L new French oak foudres; malolactic in barrel; ~24 months aging in French oak; bottled unfined/unfiltered.

Vineyard Info
Family-owned Bodega Catena Zapata (founded 1902). Flagship cuvée created by Nicolás Catena Zapata, sourced from high-altitude estate vineyards; winemaking led by Alejandro Vigil.