2022 Nicolas Catena Zapata

The nose is luminous, with cassis, subtle mint, espresso, dark chocolate and dark, brooding fruit, The palate is medium- to full-bodied with an elegant thread of dark fruit and a succulent texture. The tannin structure is chiseled, supporting the pleasant, expressive fruit. A blend of 46% cabernet sauvignon, 43% malbec and 11% cabernet franc. Aged 18 months in barriques (60% new) and 18 months in bottles. Drink or hold. - Jacobo Garcia-Andrade Llamas (05/2025)

The 2022 Nicolás Catena Zapata blends 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Franc from Gualtallary's Adrianna Vineyard and Altamira's Nicaisa Vineyard. It was fermented in stainless tanks and matured in large-format French oak. It opens with classic Bordelaise aromas of tobacco, espresso, graphite and a touch of creamy richness against a composed core of black fruits. The palate is enveloping and saturated, closing with a finish that straddles luscious, chewy and quenching. This is a stylistic yet impressive overview of Uco Valley that balances a contemporary profile with a firm nod to traditional classicism. - Matthew Luczy (05/2025)