Catena Zapata Birth of Cabernet 2022
Catena Zapata Birth of Cabernet 2022 is a dry, full-bodied red from Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, Cabernet Franc (Mendoza, Argentina), in the juicy, fruity reds style. Tannins are moderate and acidity fresh; oak influence is none. Good with steak, barbecue, lamb, bolognese. Drink now or within 20 years (to about 2042). Decant for about 1 hour. Critic score 97/100 (merchant-reported).
| Wine | Sweet | Body | From | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AXR Cabernet Sauvignon 2021 AXR · California | £97.56 | |||
| Gaja Pieve Santa Restituta Brunello di Montalcino 2020 Gaja · Tuscany | £75.62 | |||
| Pauillac de Lynch-Bages 2021 Château Lynch-Bages · Bordeaux | £34.00 | |||
| Austin Cabernet Sauvignon 2023 Hope Family Wines · California | £28.90 |
Drink it now or cellar for up to 20 years. It is recommended to decant it for an hour. Founded in 1902 by Nicolas Catena, Catena Zapata is Argentina's most prestigious winery thanks to the excellent quality of its wines and its contribution to making Mendoza Malbec world-famous. The estate comprises six vineyards at altitudes ranging from 920 to 1,450 meters, located in some of Mendoza's most important subregions. The wine is a blend of mostly Cabernet Sauvignon with small additions of Cabernet Franc. The grapes are harvested manually from the old La Pirámide vineyards, located in Agrelo, and Angélica Sur, Paraje El Cepillo, located in San Carlos. The former is planted on alluvial soil, with rock on the bottom and clay on the surface, at approximately 950 meters above sea level, while the latter rests on alluvial clay soil with gravel on the surface, at 1,100 meters. Fermentation takes place in a mix of concrete and stainless steel tanks and oak roller fermenters, and the finished wine then ages for a year and a half to two years in a mix of new and used barrels. The result is a wine with an intense and complex aromatic profile, with notes of ripe dark fruits, tobacco, black olives, and underbrush, along with subtle spicy hints. On the palate, it is rich, elegant, and round, with firm yet smooth tannins and a refreshing acidity. It is concentrated and bold, with a long finish and slightly smoky undertones. Enjoy it with beef brisket.