By 1994, Nicolás and his team felt that they had identified their best vineyard lots for Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. First with Cabernet Sauvignon in 1994, Nicolás bottled a small cuvée from the oldest and most uniform lots in the La Pirámide vineyard. Three hundred cases of Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon were made. In 1995, Nicolás bottled his first Chardonnay from cool climate Tupungato region, sourcing the fruit from Lot 4 of the Domingo vineyard for the Catena Alta Chardonnay. The next year, in 1996, two acres of lot 18 of the Angélica vineyard produced the best Malbec, and Nicolás made his first Catena Alta Malbec.

1997 was a phenomenal Cabernet Sauvignon vintage, and Nicolás Catena started plans to make another top cuvée, a wine that would fulfill those dreams that had started in the early 1980s. The wine, named Nicolás Catena Zapata (Zapata is Nicolás’ mother’s maiden name), was a blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Malbec. It was released in 2001 through a series of blind tastings held in the USA and Europe where it was compared blind to Château Latour, Haut Brion, Solaia, Caymus and Opus One. The Nicolás Catena Zapata 1997 came in either first or second in every tasting.

The Catena Zapata family’s mission is to make profound and unforgettable wines; wines that reflect the special character of each vine within the family’s historic vineyards. Constantly pushing the viticultural envelope, Nicolás and Laura Catena have identified Mendoza’s best microclimates, selected the highest quality Malbec vines and pioneered viticulture in undiscovered regions – the Adrianna Vineyard at almost 5,000 feet elevation in the Andean foothills. 
Their vision has been to uncover those magical places in each of the family’s vineyards which offer the purest expression of the land. Farming these special lots manually, hand-tending each of the vines, has led to the identification of individual plants which consistently produce the most exceptional fruit. These Zapata Vines have been physically marked with a red sash, ensuring the most demanding attention to detail in their care. Harvested separately in multiple passes through the vineyard, the Zapata Vines form the foundation of the Catena Zapata wines.

“A concentrated yet lively red, with embedded acidity backing rich cassis, racy black cherry puree and mocha notes. This is detailed, delivering a long finish of spice cake, tarry mineral and fruit. Delicious now, but will reward patience. Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec. Best from 2014 through 2019.” 94 points, Wine Spectator

“The 2009 Zapata is from selected vines marked by a red sash in order to raise the wine with meticulous care. It is 10% whole cluster and 90% whole berry fruit that is aged in 80% new French oak for 24 months. It is pieced together from a mind-boggling 210 separate row micro-vinifications of multifarious lots and harvest times and is a blend of 60% Cabernet Sauvignon and 40% Malbec. It has a spellbinding bouquet that exudes minerality, as if crushed stones had been sprinkled into the black fruit. With continued aeration, there are scents of oyster shell and black olive. The palate is full-bodied, with immense structure and backbone. The acidity is beautifully judged with filigree tannins that render the finish so elegant and refined, with notes of blackberry, soy, black plum and that stony aftertaste. Magnificent. Drink 2014-2035.” 95 points, Wine Advocate

Price: $135
In Stock: 4 bottles

To order online for pick up at our Acton store or for delivery to Eastern Massachusetts see the Nicolas Catena Zapata’ Mendoza 2009 page.