Category:
 
Red Wines
Sub-Category:  
 
Red Wines
Producer:
 
Catena Zapata
Label Name:
 
Nicolas Zapata Cab Malbec
Vintage:
 
2013
Country:
 
Argentina
Region:
 
Mendoza (Uco Valley & Luján de Cuyo; La Pirámide, Adrianna, Nicasia vineyards)
Volume:
 
750ml
ABV:
 
13.6%
Grape(s):
 
Cabernet Sauvignon (≈75%), Malbec (≈25%)
Method:
 
10% whole-cluster, 90% whole-berry; barrel (225–500L) fermentation in French oak foudres/barrels with wild yeasts; 18–24 months in French oak; unfined and unfiltered.
Acidity:
 
4
Tannins:
 
4
Sweetness:
 
1
Body:
 
4
Length:
 
5
Aroma Intensity:
 
4
Best Temperature:
 
16-18
Tasting Note:
 
Inky cassis and black cherry with violets, dark chocolate, graphite and olive tapenade; plush, layered fruit with savory herb and mineral notes and firm, fine-grained tannins. Long, concentrated finish.
Food Pairing:
 
Grilled ribeye or bone-in steak, roast lamb, aged cheddar or Manchego, beef empanadas; Asian: Korean BBQ (bulgogi), char siu-style pork, beef ramen, Sichuan pepper beef.
Vineyard Info:
 
Flagship bottling from family winery Bodega Catena Zapata; sourced from high-altitude Adrianna, La Pirámide and Nicasia vineyards; led by winemaker Alejandro Vigil. Estate renowned for high-altitude Malbec research and long history since 1902.
Awards/Ratings:
 
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 96 pts (2013). Tim Atkin: 96 pts. Vinous: 94 pts. Wine Enthusiast: 94 pts. Multiple international awards and high critic scores; widely acclaimed release