2005 Catena Zapata, Nicolas Catena Zapata, Mendoza

2005 was a cool vintage with generally low yields. This is made up of 78% Cabernet from Agrelo and Uco, and 22% Malbec from Gualtallary, aged for 24 months in French oak barriques. It has a deep, brooding, Cabernet-dominant nose with cassis, saddle leather, fig and cedar, and a very pretty, light floral touch. The palate has a dense, concentrated core with firm, rounded tannins. It's only just beginning to open up, revealing some leafy secondary characteristics. It will age majestically.

(14.6% alcohol; 5.81 g/l acidity; 3.63 pH): Healthy medium ruby. Pungent scents of blackberry, cassis, violet and licorice. Very concentrated, plush and broad but at the same time classically dry and quite young, conveying a strong impression of medicinal reserve. The rising black fruit and spice finish displays excellent length, but the wine's firm spine of acidity and slightly dusty tannins call for patience. I find this more backward than the 2004.

78% Cabernet Sauvignon, 22% Malbec Pretty complex and intriguing. Polished and whole This actually tastes more complete and flattering than the Malbec Argentino 2005. Well done! (JR)