2018 Catena Zapata Catena Argentino Vineyard Malbec, Mendoza

I had two very good vintages to compare of the Malbec Argentino, of which the 2018 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino feels a tad riper than the 2019. There is a little more of Angelica in this blend, as it mixes grapes from different places in Mendoza that fermented with long macerations and some 30% full clusters and matured in 500-liter oak barrels. Despite everything, it has contained ripeness, a medium to full body with moderate alcohol and good freshness. This is a little more opulent than the wines from Gualtallary, a little more powerful. 24,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2019.

95 points Luis Gutierrez robertparker.com

Since 2015, this wine has been made using grapes from two vineyards located about a thousand meters above sea level, one in Angélica in Lunlunta, Maipú, and the other in Nicasia in San Carlos, Uco Valley, both harvested in two stages and fermented in open barrels, 20% with whole bunches. Dark purple in the glass. The alluring nose delivers ripe dark fruit with hints of herbs and fine wood that make for a balsamic red with further notes of thyme and violets. Sugary at first with good volume; the gentle tannins allow the wine to flow genially in a classical, nuanced Mendoza Malbec style.