Country: Argentina Region: San Rafael Varietal: Malbec Vintage: 2016 Colour: Red Style: Dry Producer: Catena Description:Nicolás Catena Zapata has an intense dark violet colour with blue-black tones. A complex wine with delicate aromas of black cherry and liquorice, it is enlivened by minerals, violet, spice, and herbs. The palate is sharply delineated and impressively concentrated, with a serious backbone supporting its very fresh currant and mineral flavours. Reviews:"The 2016 vintage is a classic example, a superb blend of Cabernet Sauvignon with 31% Malbec and 8% Cabernet Franc that’s still in its infancy. Subdued aromas of cassis, black cherries and nuanced herbaceous and tobacco notes. A lovely fluid entrance builds on concentration and complexity. Malbec’s seductive juiciness joins a vertical Cabernet structure, tannins and integrated oak, with a long, lingering finish. A wine to wait for." 97 points, Decanter "The 2016 Nicolás Catena Zapata has not been released, and they are going to sell the 2017 before it. This is the one wine, together with the Adrianna Vineyard Mundus Bacillus Terrae Malbec, that is sold through the négoce in Bordeaux for Europe and Asia. This is backward, serious and austere, with terrific balance and great length. This is a blend of 61% Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary and 31% Malbec from Nicasia. There is also some 8% Cabernet Franc that seems to add a touch, and in 2016, it didn't need irrigation because there was enough rain. This seems to follow the style of the 2013, a little tight, perhaps because of the Cabernets. This is nuanced and complex, with very good integration of the varieties and the oak, fruit, acidity and mineral texture. One of the best vintages for this bottling?" 96 points, Robert Parker's Wine Advocate "This a rich and flavorful red, showing blackcurrants and tobacco. Full-bodied, soft and fruity with bright and spicy, oyster-shell and fresh-herb character. Serious cabernet blend." 95 points, James Suckling Food Matches: Red Meat / Lamb / Chicken / Venison