2019 Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata, Mendoza

This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc. Try this from 2024.

98 points jamessuckling.com

The 2019 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary (Adrianna vineyard) and 30% Malbec from Altamira (Nicasia vineyard) and a high percentage of Cabernet Franc (28%) also from Adrianna, which took the place of Cabernet Sauvignon. It fermented in small oak barrels, concrete and stainless steel tanks with a short post-fermentative maceration. Élevage was in first and second use French oak barrels and lasted for 18 months, including malolactic. This is always quite classical in style, with some spiciness from the barrels and hints of smoke and toast, still very young and undeveloped. It has the traditional Bordeaux blend character and is herbal, floral and spicy, with a beautiful texture, very nice balance and very fine, chalky tannins. 2019 was a very dry year, and the berries were small, very healthy and delivered powerful wines. It's 13.7% alcohol and has mellow acidity and good freshness, reflecting a relatively cool season, coming though as elegant and balanced with the stuffing and balance to develop nicely over the years in bottle. 66,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in January 2021. Drink: 2025 - 2032.

96 points Luis Gutiérrez robertparker.com

One of Argentina's most celebrated reds, Nicolás Catena Zapata honours the visionary who transformed the country's reputation for fine wine. Founded in 1902, Catena Zapata is now led by Laura Catena, with Alejandro Vigil directing winemaking. This exceptional blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec draws on high altitude vineyards in Mendoza, where intense sunshine, cool nights and rocky soils create remarkable concentration and freshness.

Deep crimson with violet reflections. Blackcurrant, ripe blackberry and dark plum mingle with graphite, tobacco, cedar and delicate violet. The outstanding 2019 vintage delivers beautifully concentrated fruit, polished tannins and vibrant acidity, with dark chocolate and savoury spice lingering through an impressively long finish. Powerful, sophisticated and unmistakably Argentine.

Magnificent with slow roasted lamb and rosemary, chargrilled beef with chimichurri, or smoked eggplant with black garlic and lentils.

Cellaring: Drink from 2027 to 2045+. An exceptional Mendoza red with the structure and balance for extended ageing.