2005 Malbec Catena Alta
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Tasting notes
Bright ruby-red. Aromas and flavors of black raspberry, coffee, smoke and red licorice, with a slightly high-toned briary quality. Then sweet, dense and superripe, with a creamy, seamless texture and impressive depth to the middle palate. Liqueur-like yet not at all heavy. Finishes with substantial chewy tannins and noteworthy length.
Critic scores
Average Score
Stephen Tanzer, Vinous
Jay S Miller, Wine Advocate
More reviews and scores
The 2005 Alta Malbec was aged for 18 months in 70% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. The nicely perfumed bouquet reveals wood smoke, cedar, leather, black cherry, and black raspberry. On the palate it is suave, layered, and richly fruity, with lots of spice notes and well integrated oak, tannin, and acidity. It will evolve for 3-5 years and be at its best from 2011 to 2020. The Catena Zapata portfolio is stunning from entry-level to top-of-the-line. As an aside, during my visit to Catena-Zapata in April, 2008, I tasted many barrel samples of 2006s and 2007s. The components, particularly of the 2006s are astounding; the best is yet to come. Importer: Billington Imports, Springfield, VA; tel. (703) 455-4700; fax (703) 455-0450; www.billingtonwines.com
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.