Catena Zapata Alta Malbec 2005
Catena Zapata
The 2005 Catena Alta Malbec presents a dark, opaque violet color, almost blackish in hue. The nose offers freshly ground, ripe berry fruits with layers of wild flowers, cinnamon spice, and a touch of citrus. The mouthfeel is full and coating, with exceptional weight and concentration but with a soft, supple texture. The mid palate offers rich cassis and black currant fruit flavors interwoven with hints of chocolate, vanilla and black pepper. The lengthy finish shows wonderful minerality, with finely grained tannins and lively acidity.
Wine Enthusiast
Inky dark and an outstanding example of high-end Malbec. This is the finest Alta we’ve tried; it is ripe as can be but not raisiny. The palate is creamy and lush, but with good acidic balance. And the flavors of black fruits, chocolate and spice make it a league-leader. Drink now through 2012.
Score: 93.
—Michael Schachner,
September
01,
2009.
Wine Spectator
Very concentrated, with dark fig and currant paste notes, but it's also pure and driven, with intense mocha, bittersweet cocoa and melted licorice notes that stretch out the long, polished finish. Really gorgeous for its density and mouthfeel. Drink now through 2013.
Score: 93.
—James Molesworth,
November
15,
2006.
Wine Advocate
The 2005 Alta Malbec was aged for 18 months in 70% new French oak before bottling without fining or filtration. The nicely perfumed bouquet reveals wood smoke, cedar, leather, black cherry, and black raspberry. On the palate it is suave, layered, and richly fruity, with lots of spice notes and well integrated oak, tannin, and acidity. It will evolve for 3-5 years and be at its best from 2011 to 2020.
Score: 93.
—Jay Miller,
December
2008.
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