The 2010 Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard is a single-vineyard Malbec from their vines from Nicasia in Altamira (La Consulta) in the south of the Uco Valley, a chalk-rich zone that is quickly gaining ground on the terroir map of Mendoza. The grapes were barrel fermented with 5% Cabernet Franc. The grapes were harvested at six different points in time, depending on the difference of soils in the vineyard. I see quite ripe fruit here, a round wine, with some black fruit, notes of ripe melon, very spicy, and also flavors of sweet ripe fruit with round and polished, sweet tannins, very tasty but also with very good freshness and high acidity (it has 6.1 grams of acidity). Drink 2014-2018. 93 points from Robert Parker, The Wine AdvocateWinery Notes:Catena Zapata Nicasia Malbec is made from a meticulous vine selection in the best, historic rows of the Catena familys estate vineyards. These Zapata vines are carefully hand tended and produce extremely low yields. The grapes are micro-fermented in new French oak barriques and the wine is then aged for 18 months in new French oak. This wine is made in very limited quantities.Tasting NotesCatena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec is a dark violet Malbec. Ripe black-and-red currant, raspberries and an elegant touch of french oak are some of the aromas that we can appreciate from this special malbec from one of the Catenas highest family vineyards. Very complex and expressive palate, with a creamy violet flavor witih ripe blueberries, cassis, vanilla and spicecake.Food PairingPairs well with roasted veal, shiitake mushrooms, and beef tenderloin.
