Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec 2021 - 750ml

97pts James Suckling

A mixture of black and blue fruit, very perfumed and elegant. Cherries, plums and blueberries with a peppery undertone. Crushed violets, too. Bone-dry on the palate with abundant, silky tannins and a juicy, lengthy finish. Drinkable now, but better from 2026.

97pts Vinous

The 2021 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard originates from a small plot nestled within Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley. It was aged up to 16 months in concrete vats and foudres and boasts a deep purple color. The complex nose unveils layers of crushed plums, blueberries, herbs, curry, lavender and graphite. Initially dry and plush, the palate transitions into a taut, chalky, overwhelming, and juicy texture, as if embodying structure and suppleness. This unique and flavorful Malbec offers a high-pitched intensity of flavor that lingers, showcasing a prolonged focus on the fruit.

95pts Jeb Dunnuck

The vineyard in question in the 2021 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard is nearly a century old, 3,593-feet high, and brimming in clay with limestone soils. Medium-bodied and moderately concentrated, it sees an elevage of 16-21 months in French oak, softening the tannins to a supple edginess supportive of the black fruit and earthy spice of the wine. Enjoy now through 2037.

95pts Wine Enthusiast

This Paraje Altamira wine showcases the region's character in an elegant style. The nose begins with floral aromas, cherries and sweet spices. Silky tannins support intense notes of black and red fruit, complemented by delicate floral notes. It's vibrant and has a long finish with a dash of chocolate and rosemary. 

94pts Wine Spectator

Fresh and mineral-driven, this silky red delivers a pure beam of red currant and raspberry flavors, adding loam and tea leaf accents as this unfurls on the well-defined finish around plush tannins and a note of cocoa-dusted raspberry. Drink now through 2036.

Winemaker's Notes

Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec is a dark violet Malbec. Ripe black-and-red currant, raspberries and an elegant touch of french oak are some of the aromas that we can appreciate from this special Malbec from one of the Catena's highest family vineyards. Very complex and expressive palate, with a creamy violet flavor with ripe blueberries, cassis, vanilla and spice cake.

Pairs well with roasted veal, shiitake mushrooms, and beef tenderloin.

Winery Notes

Bodega Catena Zapata is one of Argentina's high altitude Malbec pioneers. The Catena family began making wine in Mendoza in 1902. Nicolas Catena, third generation family vintner, was one of the first to see the potential of Mendoza's mountain vineyards for producing high quality Malbec. In 1994, he became the first Argentine to exprot a world-class bottling of Malbec under the Catena label. Nicolas is joined by his daughter, Dr. Laura Catena, in their relentless pursuit of world-class quality from the family's high altitude vineyards. Laura has done extensive work in introducing Malbec and other varietal plant selections, soil and climate analysis, and sustainable practices throughout Mendoza. Head winemaker, Alejandro Vigil, has been at Catena Zapata since 2002 and works with Laura and Nicolas to make wines that express the family's vineyards and palate.