Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Catena Zapata
Label Name:
 
Nicolas Zapata Cab Malbec
Vintage:
 
2005
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Mendoza — Uco Valley (Gualtallary, Altamira, La Consulta) & Luján de Cuyo (Agrelo, Villa Bastías)
Volume:
 
1500ml
ABV:
 
14.6%
Grape(s):
 
78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec
Method:
 
Destemmed whole-berry fermentations in 225–500L French oak foudres/barrels, wild yeasts, ~18 day ferment, malolactic in barrel, aged ~24 months in French oak; bottled unfined and unfiltered.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
5
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
5
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Dense black fruit (blackberry, cassis), violet, espresso, graphite, licorice and dark chocolate; savory spice, firm ripe tannins, bright acidity and a long mineral finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Grilled ribeye, roast lamb, braised short ribs, aged cheddar/Manchego; Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi/galbi), char siu, Sichuan pepper beef, miso-glazed eggplant.
Vineyard Info:
 
Bodega Catena Zapata, family-owned since 1902. Nicolás Catena pioneered high-altitude Mendoza viticulture; 2005 fruit sourced from Adrianna, Domingo, La Pirámide and Nicasia vineyards. Winemaker: Alejandro Vigil.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Robert Parker (Wine Advocate) 98; Decanter 95; Wine Enthusiast 94; Wine Spectator 94; International Wine Review 95