Arguably Argentina's most famous wine estate, having played a pioneering role in the revitalisation of the Malbec grape in the public eye, Catena Zapata hold a pivotal role in the country's winemaking folklore. 1902 was the year one Nicola Catena planted his first vineyard in Mendoza; a time in history when no one could dream of matching the quality coming out of France (where Malbec first originated in the commune of Cahors). Even his own vineyard manager warned him against planting the grape in the high altitudes they were based (their sites sit between 920 and 1,120 metres above sea level), believing the climate to be unsuitable for consistent ripening. Nowadays, Argentina's oldest family-owned house can only look back and appreciate Nicola's fortitude; this once side-lined varietal, often viewed solely as a blending grape, is the country's most beloved signature!
This weekend (Saturday 2nd), we look to show what these high-elevation sites of sand, lime and stone in the foothills of the Andes can bring to not only Malbec, but Chardonnay as well! Several examples showcasing Catena Zapata's universal appeal will be on the tasting table between 12 and 2pm, including premium-range choices like the Argentino Vineyard and Nicolas Catena Malbecs, and an utterly tremendous 'White Bones' / 'White Stones' Chardonnay duo. There is careful deliberation behind each label here from a winemaking perspective - different techniques, oak usage and blending regimes - but one thing we've never seen Zapata shortchange on is a sense of lush texture and chiselled fruit detail. We can't wait to flaunt the subtle and soaring characteristics found within these eight expressions come Saturday!
Catena Zapata - Specials & Tasting
Saturday 2nd August (12 to 2pm)
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High Mountain Vines Catena Malbec 2022 -
$38 on special this week; $43 RRP
"The 2022 Malbec originates from the Uco Valley and is a blend of various regions and winemaking techniques. Purple in hue. The nose reveals enticing notes ranging from crushed plums to violets atop a faintly herbal backdrop. Indulgent and juicy, the plush texture and refreshing flow lead to a rich and satisfyingly long-lasting palate. This wine is built upon different components that come together to achieve a relatively complex flavor." - 92 Points, Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
Angelica Zapata Chardonnay 2021 -
$63 on special this week; $72 RRP
"Wow, what a beauty. Tropical on the nose but it's held back, not overly flamboyant, unfolding onto creamed peaches and lemon meringue. There's opulence and a rich and leesy intensity, buttery but with fresh acidity. The finish is laced with vanilla and beurre blanc, honeycomb and caramelised nuts." - 93 Points, Natalie Earl, Decanter
Angelica Zapata Malbec Alta 2020 -
$69 on special this week; $78 RRP
"Family matriarch Angélica Zapata, a fierce educator and headmistress of the local country school, instilled a culture of study, hard work and reflection on generations of the Catena family. Although Angélica died young, she transmitted to her children her vision that Argentina’s natural resources and that people were destined for greatness. Her son, Nicolás Catena Zapata, is responsible for Argentine wine finding a place among the best wines in the world. Grapes are sourced from the Uco Valley, Angélica Sur Vineyard. High altitude, intense sunlight, well drained rocky soils. Low yields, very concentrated wines, with incredibly smooth and velvety tannins. From the Southern part of the Uco Valley (the Napa of Argentina)" - Winemaker Notes
Catena Zapata Alta Malbec 2021 -
$99 on special this week; $115 RRP
"The 2021 Malbec Catena Alta comprises 70% sourced from Gualtallary in the Uco Valley and the remaining portion from Luján and Maipú. Aged for up to 18 months in French oak barrels, both new and used, this purple wine reveals aromas of plums and cherries alongside hints of lavender and violets, all atop a subtle cedar layer. Dry and juicy, the supple and velvety tannins are complemented by a nimble flow, resulting in a mildly structured red with a flavorful, lasting finish. If there is a key in Mendoza Malbec, meaning piecing together terroirs to enhance complexity, this bottle might be the example." - 95 Points, Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
Argentino Vineyard Malbec 2021 -
$155 on special this week; $175 RRP
"2021 was a cooler year, as cold as 2016, but instead of a wet year like 2016, it was dry. The wine is juicy and reveals a vibrant palate and very clean and focused aromas and flavors. It's clean and precise with varietal aromas of violets, ripe berries and herbs and a spicy touch from the élevage in oak. It's nicely textured and tasty, medium to full-bodied and with a vibrant finish." - 96 Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
"For those who recall the old style, characterized by a significant oak influence on the aromas, this vintage marks a pivotal moment. Half of the wine was aged for 16 months in foudres, while the other half matured in concrete vats. The outcome is a wine that leans more towards its primary characteristics. Displays a purple hue. The nose reveals notes of cherry, blackberry, orange peel, violets and cedar. It presents a dry and plush profile on the palate, with fine-grained tannins and a juicy flow that culminates in a lingering fruity finish, accompanied by a vibrant and refreshing sensation." - 95 Points, Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
Adrianna Vineyard 'White Bones' Chardonnay 2021 -
$185 on special this week; $210 RRP
"The 2021 White Bones Chardonnay was harvested at two different points of ripeness and then blended into the final wine, which is subtler than the explosive 2020 I tasted next to it but with the same palette of aromas—thyme, rosemary, lavender, rockrose, white flowers, citrus, pine needles, incense, curry and spices—and the palate is seamless, mineral and with a chalky texture. It's brilliant and expresses the variety, vintage and soil perfectly." - 98+ Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
"It was aged for up to 16 months in used French barrels. An alluring yellow hue with a greenish sheen. The cool year imparted a distinctive, complex character featuring herbal aromas enriched by hop, sage, and thyme alongside hints of curry and acacia over a delicate layer of rose before late-developing pear and green apple notes. The palate has a lean, focused character, with a chalky texture and electric, saline energy enhancing the refreshing mouthfeel. A truly outstanding mountain Chardonnay." - 98 Points, Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
Adrianna Vineyard 'White Stones' Chardonnay 2021 -
$185 on special this week; $210 RRP
"The 2021 White Stones Chardonnay is subtler and more elegant, a little closed with moderate ripeness and alcohol (12.5%) and a mineral palate with strong chalky sensations. It might be worth reproducing their explanation about this wine, one of the finest whites in Argentina: 'The term 'white stones' refers to the composition of said rows of soil, with white oval stones covered by gravel. The vineyard 'Adrianna' is planted at an altitude of almost 1,500 meters above sea level, in the district of Gualtallary in Tupungato. The stony soil prevents deep root growth, providing optimum drainage. These soils are very poor in organic matter and contribute to support vines' permanent stress conditions. The cool nights allow for very slow ripening, optimal acid retention and low yields.' This is serious and tasty." - 98 Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker Wine Advocate
"Pale yellow in the glass with a greenish sheen. The enticing aromatic profile presents pear and mountain herb notes with acacia, gunpowder, and hazelnut over layers of linden blossom and mint. However, it is on the palate, where this wine truly comes into its own: tart and sculpted with a chalky texture and saline flavor, it ends with complex, lingering fruit and herb flavors. A distinctive high-altitude Chardonnay from a cool year." - 97 Points, Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous
Nicolas Catena Zapata Malbec 2019 -
$199 on special this week; $225 RRP
"With its inaugural 1997 vintage, Nicolás Catena Zapata became the first luxury cuvée from Argentina to be exported around the world. The wine recreates the “Original Bordeaux Blend” of the 18th and 19th Centuries, when Malbec dominated over Merlot and was in equal standing to Cabernet Sauvignon in the Médoc. Prephylloxeric Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon massale selections of ungrafted vines give rise to this wine, opening a window to the past from the mountain vineyards of Mendoza, Argentina." - Winemaker Notes
"The 2019 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced with 42% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary (Adrianna Vineyard), 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." - 96 Points, Luis Gutiérrez, Robert Parker Wine Advocate