Description

james suckling

A giant. Not only in Argentina’s strong suit in terms of power, it also shows finesse and aromatic complexity. There are all manner of blackberries, smoke, chocolate and spicy notes. Built on a panoramic scale, but full of energy and enormous refinement. The finish cascades on and on. A blend of 83% cabernet sauvignon and 17% malbec. Try in 2021.

decanter

2015 was a Bordeaux-esque vintage – a cool summer with early autumn rains resulted in lower alcohol and higher acidity. This is made up of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon from Agrelo and 17% Malbec from Gualtallary and Altamira. It's incredibly young and primary, showing black and blue fruits with a subtle gravelly, smoky touch and a yoghurt-like lactic creaminess. It's rounded and smooth in the mouth, with cedary oak that still needs plenty of time to knit together. The tannins are firm and round and the concentrated fruits have a lovely energy and effortless elegance, with lovely graphite touches and bright, lively acidity. One for the long haul. Drinking Window 2026 - 2045

robert parker's wine advocate

Along with the 2014 vintage, I also tasted the 2015 Nicolás Catena Zapata. The 2015 is higher in Cabernet Sauvignon, which represents 83% of the final blend, while Malbec comprises the remaining 17%. It feels quite ripe, with notes of cherries and an earthy touch. It's juicy and soft, very approachable, even though it has the Cabernet's textbook tannins. 

wine & spirits

This presents the charmingly herbal, cassis side of cabernet sauvignon from Agrelo—Mendoza’s prime source of the variety—with the softness and floral notes of malbec. It has structural strength in its tannins and acidity, but it’s the way the fruit fills the palate that will draw you back for another glass. Delicious now, this will evolve gracefully over the next ten years.

vivino