“For some producers, the 2021 vintage—marked by rainfall in February that moderated temperatures during the March harvest—represents the closest thing to a Bordeaux-style year in Mendoza. In that sense, 2021 was an ideal vintage for Bordeaux-origin grape varieties. This unique situation is clearly reflected in the 2021 Nicolás Vineyard Malbec, which debuts a new label for this vintage after being aged for up to 21 months in French oak barrels. The wine is a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Malbec, and 10% Cabernet Franc from vineyards in the Uco Valley. Deep purple in color with garnet hues, it opens with delicate notes of blackcurrant and ash, tobacco, black fruit, and cherry, reminiscent of a Bordeaux wine. Expressive and well-structured, it features notes of cedar on a long, lingering finish. 2025–2045” (Vinous 2024)
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Eye
A deep, clear, and brilliant purple color
Nose
Smooth and nuanced, with an aromatic profile featuring blackcurrant, black cherry, tobacco, and white pepper; delightfully complex and spicy
Palate
Silky and elegant, it gradually reveals a magnificent balance and harmony; its flavors delight the palate with their resemblance to our Bordeaux blends, while offering a delightful spiciness that lingers through a persistent, textured finish.
Serve
At 16-18°C
Open
2 hours before
Drink from
2025
Drink before
2045
Food and wine pairings
Enjoy it with a truffle-infused duck parmentier, thin slices of Wagyu beef, or an Argentine asado…
Robert Parker - Wine Advocate
Wine rated (2023 guide) 96+/100 (Extraordinary wine)
Estate rated "Recommended" (Wine producer recommended by Robert Parker - The Wine Advocate)
About the wine:
The 2021 Nicolás Catena Zapata was produced from a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Malbec, and 10% Cabernet Franc from the Nicasia and Adrianna vineyards. It was fermented in small oak barrels, concrete tanks, and stainless steel tanks, and aged in 2,000-liter oak casks for 18 months. It is a powerful yet fresh red, with an alcohol content of 13.7% and gentle acidity—perhaps because the Cabernet Sauvignon was harvested earlier (and with lower yields) and the clay soils were set aside in favor of stonier plots. The wine is more fluid and elegant. 2021 was a cool and very good vintage, similar to 2019, and the wine exhibits the classic herbaceous and spicy character of Bordeaux varietals, with zesty notes of black pepper, and is spicier due to the high proportion of Cabernet Franc. 2024–2034
Jancis Robinson
Rated: Recommended
Vinous
Wine rated (2024 guide) 96/100
About the wine:
For some producers, the 2021 vintage—marked by rainfall in February that moderated temperatures during the March harvest—represents the closest thing to a Bordeaux-style year in Mendoza. In this sense, 2021 was an ideal vintage for grape varieties of Bordeaux origin. This unique situation is clearly reflected in the 2021 Nicolás Vineyard Malbec, which debuts a new label for this vintage after being aged for up to 21 months in French oak barrels. The wine is a blend of 46% Cabernet Sauvignon, 44% Malbec, and 10% Cabernet Franc sourced from vineyards in the Uco Valley. Deep purple in color with garnet hues, it opens with delicate notes of blackcurrant and ash, tobacco, black fruits, and cherry, reminiscent of a Bordeaux wine. Expressive and compact, it features notes of cedar on a long, lingering finish. 2025–2045
James Suckling
Wine rated (2024 guide) 97/100
Rated: Recommended
About the wine:
Mild tobacco, cigar box, berries, and mineral notes. The nose has a hint of zest and lemon. The palate is very refined and juicy, with plenty of fine tannins. Silky, smooth, and linear, with a very elegant and smooth finish. 46% Cabernet Sauvignon from the Adrianna vineyard, 44% Malbec, and 10% Cabernet Franc from the Nicasia vineyard. Very refined, long-finishing, and classic Bordeaux-style. This wine is already very drinkable, but it will remain so for a long time.