In Bond Fine Wine. 2015 Catena Zapata, Uco Valley, Argentina. Red argentina in 6x75cl. Top critic score: 96/100 (JS). Sold in bond by Albany Vintners, independent fine wine merchants.
Founded in Mendoza in 1902, Catena Zapata is one of the defining names in modern Argentine wine. It was Nicolas Catena's belief in the potential of extreme high-altitude vineyards that transformed the family's fortunes and helped change international perceptions of Argentine fine wine. The Adrianna Vineyard, planted high in Gualtallary in the foothills of the Andes, was initially considered an audacious experiment. Today it is the source of Catena's most celebrated wines. Under Laura Catena and winemaker Alejandro Vigil, detailed research into altitude, soils and individual vineyard parcels has taken this work even further. Wines such as White Stones and White Bones are the result: tiny-production, site-specific wines that have established Adrianna as one of the world's most exciting vineyards.
Luis Gutiérrez (LG) — 93/100 · Wine Advocate, RobertParker.com, 29/06/2018 · Drink 2019-2023
Along with the 2014 vintage, I also tasted the 2015 Nicol's 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.
James Suckling (JS) — 96/100 · JamesSuckling.com, 05/04/2018 · Drink 2021+
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.
Stephen Tanzer (ST) — 94/100 · Vinous, 01/04/2018 · Drink 2022-2029
(14.2% alcohol: made from vines in both Uco Valley and Luj'n de Cuyo): Bright ruby-red. Pungent aromas of cassis, blackberry, herbs and grapefruit are pure and unadorned. Juicy and stylish in a European style, conveying an impression of delicacy and terrific penetration. This is sweeter and suppler than the 2015 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec but I'm not sure that it's deeper. Finishes with a powerful s…