2004 Malbec Nicasia
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Tasting notes
The single-vineyard 2004 Malbec “Nicasia Vineyard” is located in the Altamira district of Mendoza. It was aged for 18 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it exhibits a complex perfume of pain grille, scorched earth, mineral, licorice, blueberry, and black cherry. Thick on the palate, bordering on opulent, it has layers of fruit, silky tannins, and a long, fruit-filled finish. It will age effortlessly for another 6-8 years and provide pleasure through 2025. When all is said and done, Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference – the standard of excellence for comparing all others. The brilliant, forward-thinking Nicolas Catena remains in charge, with his daughter, Laura, playing an increasingly large role. The Catena Zapata winery is an essential destination for fans of both architecture and wine in Mendoza. It is hard to believe, given the surge in popularity of Malbec in recent years, that Catena Zapata only began exporting Malbec to the United States in 1994. Importer: Billington Imports, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 455-4700; www.catenawines.com
Critic scores
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
About the producer
Bodega Catena Zapata has been instrumental both in the development of fine wine production in Argentina and in realising the full potential of the Malbec grape.