2011 Nicolas Catena Zapata

The 2011 Nicolás Catena Zapata is a blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Malbec sourced from a diversity of vineyards and zones, La Piramide, Domingo, Adrianna and Nicasia. I found pungent aromas of leather, cured meat and fountain pen ink and even tempera paint that were reminiscent of many classic Bordeaux wines. The palate feels quite dry and has a grainy texture. It needs food. 60,000 bottles produced.

(an 80/20 blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec): Bright ruby. Aromas of cassis, black cherry, minerals, violet and bitter chocolate show very good lift but also a youthfully serious medicinal aspect. Densely packed, fresh and broad but youthfully unforthcoming today, showing little in the way of easy sweetness. The medicinal black cherry flavors come across as distinctly cool owing to complicating notes of mint, licorice and herbs. Finishes with substantial dusty tannins that will require patience. This Cabernet-based wine is much tighter and more austere than the 2011 Malbec Argentino.