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2005 Bodega Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata Red

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RATINGS

98The Wine Advocate

... pain grille, mineral, violet, scorched earth, pepper, espresso, black cherry, and black raspberry aromas leading to a dense, opulent wine with gobs of savory fruit, ripe tannins, terrific concentration, and a 60-second finish...

94Wine Spectator

Dark, but very alluring, with inviting incense, warm espresso and molten chocolate cake notes up front, followed by hoisin sauce, graphite, mulled black currant and blackberry fruit flavors. The long finish courses with fruit...

94+ Stephen Tanzer

Superripe aromas of black cherry, dark chocolate and licorice, enlivened by minerals, violet, pepper and herbs. Then penetrating, sharply delineated and impressively concentrated, with a serious backbone supporting its very fresh currant.

94Wine Enthusiast

... it’s a purple haze of dense, exotic aromas that lean toward lavender, flower petals and black fruit. It’s saturated and fruity to the point of no return, with impeccable structure and mouthfeel. An avalanche of flavor and style.

REGION

Argentina, Mendoza (Cuyo)

Mendoza on the western edge of Argentina is the nation’s largest and most important wine producing region. With about a billion acres under vine, the region of Mendoza alone has nearly half as many vineyards acres as all of the United States. Located on the edge of the Andes, vineyards here are high, usually 2,000 to 3,600 feet above sea level, yet they enjoy a relatively temperate climate and four distinct seasons. The soil is sandy and alluvial with clay underneath and moderate rainfall encourages growth. Historically Argentina, and Mendoza, grew pink skin grapes for slightly sweet pink or white wines. Those grapes are still grown for bulk jug wine. Since the late 1980s, however, Malbec has been Mendoza’s most important grape, since it makes a rich, dark, robust, age-worth red. The second most important red grape is Bonarda, which is thought to be the same grape that California growers know as Charbono. Italian and Spanish red grapes including Sangiovese, Barbera and Tempranillo were brought by immigrants, and they are grown today. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Torrontés and numerous other red and white grapes are also grown successfully.