Bodegas Catena Zapata
Mendoza
Tasted December 12, 2011 by Timbalimba with 501 views
Introduction
On location in Mendoza (not on domain but locally sourced ex-cellar). Not blind
Flight 1 (10 notes)
White
2010 Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay Catena
83 points
Well… not short on flavour but has a prominent yeasty tone that gets a bit overpowering in tandem with the full bodied fruit and the oak. Not sure I could have handled more than a glass.
Red
2009 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Catena
85 points
Just above the Alamos entry level, this is a nice representative of Mendoza Malbec. Bursting with ripe fruit and the profile that you'd expect: violets, plums, and lactic notes.
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Comment
Red
2009 Bodega Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Catena
83 points
Not sure about Cab in Mendoza, have yet to try anything even closely resembling Napa, let alone Pauillac, but this is OK, not too stalky and tight, but very much cedar and charcoal
White
2009 Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay Catena Alta
84 points
Even more oak, just when I thought it was impossible, but cleaner fruit makes up for it. Sort of. It's still unbalanced.
Red
2008 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Catena Alta
89 points
Spicier than the simpler younger brother, butch tannins, plenty of wood, definitely a lot of muscle but stays agile because the fleshy fruit is fresh and not overbearing.
Red
2008 Bodega Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Catena Alta
85 points
Here we go, the green pepper, and stalky, almost resinous fruit, and toasted oak galore. Hmmm… I wish I could say it could do with further cellaring but I'm not sure.
Red
2008 Bodega Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata
90 points
Yes, expensively crafted. And still very young. Yet… I remain unconvinced. Four-square, dense, packing everything you'd expect, but with this kind'a price tag you kind'a expect the unexpected. Perhaps further cellaring will help. 90+.
Red
2008 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino
91 points
This, to me, is the "merlot" in the premium range. Fine tones of mocha accompany the violet milkshake aromas. Nice. Difficult to fathom that this is a blend of Adrianna / Nicasia because it seems a lot more balanced and approachable. OK, wine tasting is subjective, and I am not a chemist,but consider the fact that total declared acidity is lower (the pH is higher) than in either of the individual two parts in the cuvee… feel free to draw your own conclusion about what went into the blend (or what went into the straight cuvees...). 91+
Red
2008 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Adrianna Vineyard
89 points
Super dense, still stalky, big fat fruit, almost oily in character, herbs and varietal plum-raspberry. Needs time. Not my favorite but shows what the Malbec can do when no expenses are spared.
Red
2008 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Nicasia Vineyard
89 points
Another supercharged specimen. Slightly less sweet than its sister, the impression is of more restraint (if you could call any of these wines restrained), but essentially it is a powerhouse of high-extract oozing Malbec fruit.