2020 Nicolas Catena Zapata

54% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc, 21% Malbec. Uco Valley fruit. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec from the Adrianna vineyard in Gualtallary at 1,450 m, planted in 1992 on calcareous soils with gravels; Cabernet Franc and Malbec from the Nicasia vineyard in Paraja Altamira at 1,095 m, planted in 1996 on gravels mixed with sand and loam. Fermentation in a mix of small oak barrels, concrete and stainless-steel tanks, at 26–28 °C for about 10–15 days, then post-fermentation maceration of 5–10 days. Malolactic conversion and ageing in French oak barrels for 18 months. 5,000 cases produced. Green spices meet sweet fruit on a slightly awkward nose, which is earthy and highly savoury. The palate however is much finer, with succulent black fruits, seamless tannins and a heady, warming finish. Give it a year to allow the nose to settle. (TP)

The 2020 Nicolás Catena Zapata is a blend composed of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Malbec and 20% Cabernet Franc sourced from Paraje Altamira in the Uco Valley. It was carefully aged for up to 16 months in French oak barrels. Garnet in hue. The nose reveals captivating cassis, rose, blackberry, plum and fig aromas harmoniously combined with dried flowers. The palate presents a dry and ample profile, with fine-grained tannins and a juicy flow that leads to a vibrant mouthfeel, brimming with energy. This meticulously crafted red achieves precise balance in a warm vintage.

Measured and steady release of supple brambled fruits, wonderfully fragrant and well judged, this combines depth of fruit flavour with softly expressed tannins, crayon, truffles, black pepper and smoked oak. Such a distinct and vibrant expression of these Left Bank Bordeaux varieties, givien a ripeness in Argentina that they are not always able to get in France, harnessed by the grace and careful precison of the Catena family. Brilliant vintage of this landmark Argentinian wine. Ungrafted vines, Fernando Buscema winemaker, Alejandro Vigil wine director, 3.64ph.