Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyards Malbec, 2019

Powerful yet sophisticated Malbec from one of South America's top producers

Powerful and dense yet still retaining incredible freshness and balance. Opens with intense aromas of blueberries, sour cherries, baking spices and fruitcake. On a full-bodied palate you get flavours of blackcurrants, dark plums, prunes and vanilla supported by firm acidity and tannins that are well stitched–in. Delightfully rounds off with a surprisingly nimble and mineral-driven finish. Recommend decanting beforehand.

• 98pts Robert Parker (Tasted Apr '21)
• 95pts Wine Spectator (Tasted Dec '21)
• 94pts Tim Atkin (Tasted Jan '21)

Cellaring: Now to 2030

Food Pairing: Marinated flank steak, teriyaki salmon, mushroom-stuffed peppers w/ gorgonzola

STORY BEHIND THIS WINE

Try keeping up with the Catenas and you will quickly be out of breath. Their range of wines, projects and influence is staggering. Director Dr Laura Catena, is a force of nature in her own right and is one of the most recognisable and influential experts in all of South America. Her range of Malbecs constantly raises the benchmark for South American wine as a whole. This expression from their Nicasia Vineyard in the Uco valley is a case in point. With 24 months in French oak and winemaking methods that seek to emphasise the intensity of flavours and aromas, this is an expressively dense yet still powerfully elegant wine.