Score: |
98 WA. "The flagship wines begin with the purple/black-colored 2005 Nicolas Catena Zapata, a blend of 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Malbec. The fruit was sourced from four of the estate’s finest high-elevation vineyards, and aged for 24 months in 100% new French oak. The brooding bouquet delivers pain grille, mineral, violet, scorched earth, pepper, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry aromas leading to a dense, opulent wine with gobs of savory fruit, ripe tannins, terrific concentration, and a 60-second finish. Allow it 6-8 years in the cellar to reveal its full potential and enjoy it from 2015 to 2030. The Catena Zapata portfolio is stunning from entry-level to top-of-the-line. As an aside, during my visit to Catena-Zapata in April, 2008, I tasted many barrel samples of 2006s and 2007s. The components, particularly of the 2006s are astounding; the best is yet to come." Wine Advocate #180, Dec 2008 |