Bodega Catena Zapata Estate
Mendoza, Argentina
My Strength Rating: 8 on the first glass; second glass a 7.
This family has been growing grape vines since 1902.
This Malbec is a blend of ‘becs’ from four of the family’s vineyards. Maipu 20%, Lujande Cuyo 10%, Tupungato 40%, and San Carlos 30%.
First glass without decanting: My first sip is a luscious black fruit explosion and the blackberries seem to be leading the way. There seems to be a dark chocolate bite swirling around on the palate that has a slight creamy feel on the palate.
Between the blackberry bite and a high % dark chocolate bitter style the mouthfeel/texture sure is intense during this first glass.
This is no lightweight Malbec. This is heavyweight stuff. If you like mild-medium bodied Malbecs you better sit on the sidelines or this linebacker will knock you down.
The aftertaste starts with an alcohol warmth on the back of the palate and then I feel a jammy feel that coats the whole mouth.
The second glass is a little more relaxed once the wine had some time to breathe. There are more black fruits to choose from on the taste: Blackberry, black cherry, mulberry, and/or boysenberry. Take your pick on the berry profile but, it sure is tasty. The earthy notes are more noticeable. Earthy notes: mineral soil and tobacco. The mocha flavor is pleasing and there seems to an undertone of vanilla. The bitter dark chocolate and sharp blackberry bite is not as noticeable as it was on the first glass. The finish is smoother than the first glass.
I don’t know if I like the first glass or the second glass. I do know that I sure liked the intensity of the first glass.
Overall, this is one tasty Malbec. The complexity is there. The dark fruits are plentiful. The aftertaste is pleasing.
Must buy.
Read the cigar pairing on Feb. 12
Linking you up!
Here are the Malbecs that I reviewed this month:
Terraza Malbec 06
Cigar Box Malbec 09
Peirano Malbec 06
Luigi Bosca 08
Layer Cake Malbec 07
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