96
Robert Parker
The very young but already harmonious 2021 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino has one of the showier labels from the Catena portfolio. 2021 was a cooler year, as cold as 2016, but instead of a wet year like 2016, it was dry. The wine is juicy and reveals a vibrant palate and very clean and focused aromas and flavors. It’s clean and precise with varietal aromas of violets, ripe berries and herbs and a spicy touch from the élevage in oak. It’s another great vintage for this blend of grapes from the vineyards of Angélica (Lunlunta) and Nicasia (Altamira). It’s nicely textured and tasty, medium to full-bodied and with a vibrant finish.
