Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Argentina 2023
This is the wine that made me fall in love with Argentine Malbec. Not the flashy, over-extracted version you sometimes see, but something more considered, more honest, and genuinely worth slowing down for.
From high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza, shaped by cool Andean nights and the mastery of one of Argentina's most respected producers, the 2023 balances ripeness with freshness in a way that feels effortless. Aged in French oak, it opens with black plum, blackberry and blueberry, layered with violet, cocoa, spice and a subtle mineral edge that speaks to its mountain origins.
The palate sits in that perfect sweet spot. Plush yet structured, with juicy dark fruit, fine-grained tannins and a line of acidity that keeps everything in focus. The finish is long, polished and gently savoury, with touches of graphite and spice that linger.
Classic Catena. Where altitude brings lift, freshness and definition to Malbec. A wine that honours Argentina's winemaking legacy while delivering something genuinely modern and elegant.
Brilliant with grilled meats, lamb or a slow-cooked dish on a Sunday afternoon.The 2023 Malbec leads with an elegantly perfumed, juicy bouquet accented with turned-earth aromas. The texture is precise, vibrant and straightforward, concluding on a high-toned finish with a savory, sturdy core. 90 Pts, Matthew Luczy - The Wine Advocate.