2021 Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec, Mendoza

The 2021 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc from Nicasia and Adrianna vineyards. It fermented in small oak barrels, concrete and stainless steel tanks and matured in 2,000-liter oak foudres for 18 months. It's a powerful but fresh red with 13.7% alcohol and mellow acidity, perhaps because the Cabernet Sauvignon was picked earlier (and with lower yields) and they discarded the clay soils and went more for stony plots. The wine feels more streamlined and elegant. 2021 is a cool and very good year, following the path of the 2019, and the wine shows the classical herbal and spicy character of the Bordeaux varieties with pungent notes of black peppercorns and is spicier because of the high Cabernet Franc content. 64,200 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2022

96+ points Luis Gutierrez robertparker.com Sep 2023 Drink 2024-2034

The Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec is a powerful and refined wine from the high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina. Crafted by Catena Zapata, a pioneering winery known for its groundbreaking work with Malbec, this wine exemplifies the family’s dedication to producing world-class expressions of the varietal.

The Nicasia Vineyard is located in the Altamira district of the Uco Valley, at an elevation of 1,095 meters. This high-altitude site benefits from cool temperatures, abundant sunlight, and rocky, limestone-rich soils, which combine to produce Malbec of exceptional concentration, freshness, and complexity.

The winemaking process is meticulous, beginning with hand-harvested grapes that undergo a cold maceration to extract intense aromas. Fermentation is carried out in small lots using wild yeasts, followed by aging in French oak barrels. This approach allows the wine to balance rich fruit character with elegant structure and a seamless integration of oak.

The Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec opens with an aromatic bouquet of blackberry, blueberry, and black plum, interwoven with floral notes of violet, hints of mocha, and a touch of spice. The palate is full-bodied and velvety, delivering layers of dark fruit, chocolate, and earthy minerality, supported by firm yet polished tannins and a bright acidity. The finish is long and complex, promising excellent aging potential.

Ideal for pairing with grilled meats, hearty stews, or aged cheeses, the Nicasia Malbec is equally impressive as a wine to savor on its own. While it is approachable in its youth, it will continue to evolve beautifully over 15-20 years.