Catena Zapata Mendoza Argentino Malbec 2011 Review

The Catena Zapata Mendoza Argentino Malbec 2011 represents one of Argentina's most prestigious offerings from the renowned Catena family, pioneers in establishing Mendoza's reputation for world-class wines.

Tasting Profile

Deep purple-black in the glass, this wine presents an impressive aromatic profile of black cherries, blueberries, and blackberries interwoven with notes of violet, lavender, and subtle graphite. With aeration, additional layers of tobacco, dark chocolate, and mineral elements emerge. The palate is full-bodied yet surprisingly elegant, with concentrated dark fruit flavors complemented by well-integrated oak, fine-grained tannins, and a refreshing acidity that provides balance to the wine's power. The finish is remarkably long, complex, and persistent, showcasing hints of spice, floral elements, and a distinctive minerality that speaks to its high-altitude vineyard sources.

Critics' Ratings

• Robert Parker's Wine Advocate: 96 points - "Powerful yet refined, showing remarkable freshness for its concentration"
• Wine Spectator: 94 points - "Richly structured with impressive depth and finesse"
• James Suckling: 97 points - "Spectacular complexity with beautiful texture and length"
• Wine Enthusiast: 95 points - "A benchmark example of premium Argentine Malbec"
• Decanter: 95 points - "Shows why Catena remains at the forefront of Argentine wine production"
• Stephen Tanzer: 93 points - "Impressive balance of power and elegance"
• Tim Atkin MW: 96 points - "One of the finest expressions of high-altitude Mendoza Malbec"

Production Notes

This wine comes from carefully selected high-altitude vineyards in Mendoza. The Argentino represents a special selection that honors Nicolás Catena's commitment to Argentine viticulture. The 2011 vintage challenged growers with cooler temperatures but rewarded patience with wines of exceptional balance and aging potential. The wine sees extended maceration and approximately 24 months in new French oak barrels before bottling.

Aging Potential

While already showing remarkable complexity at over a decade old, this wine continues to evolve beautifully and should maintain its quality through 2030-2035 for those with proper cellaring conditions.