Wine Spectator

“The Top 100”. Our Editors Select the Most Exciting Wines of 2002
December 31, 2002-Jan 15, 2003

Nicolas Catena, winemaker Jose Galante and vineyard manager Pedro Marchevsky have put this winery at the head of the pack in Argentina.  The fruit for this wine comes from vineyards at an elevation of 3,100 feet, located in the Lujan de Cuyo district of Mendoza.  The name of the winery was recently changed to Bodega Catena Zapata.  14,000 cases made.  Also named one of 29 “GREAT VALUES” of the top 100.

 

BUYING GUIDE

Highly Recommended

• 93  Bodega Catena Zapata Nicolas Catena Zapata Mendoza 1999 $90
  Dense, with roast cocoa bean, bittersweet chocolate, black currant and blackberry flavors, and a long, powerful finish held together by tongue-pounding tannins.  Well-defined now, this should get better in the medium term.  Drink now through 2007.  955 cases made.

Smart Buys

• 90 Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mendoza Catena Agrelo Vineyards 2001 $20
  Lovely purity and balance, with ripe flavors of fig and pear backed up by floral and toast notes that are harmonious through the finish.  Juicy texture keeps it all together nicely.  Drink now. 26,000 cases made.

Best Values

• 88 Bodega Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Catena Agrelo Vineyards 2000 $23
  Elegant style, with berry, floral and cocoa aromas and flavors on a focused, medium-bodied frame. Nice length on the finish.  Drink now through 2004.  15,000 cases made

• 86 Bodega Catena Zapata Cabernet Sauvignon Mendoza Alamos 2001 $10
  Good Juicy bramble, black cherry and vanilla flavors, with a gusty finish.  Drink now. 42,900 cases made

• 91 Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mednoza Catena Alta Adrianna Vineyard 2000 $32
  Bold and lush, with unctuous apricot, mango, fig and dried pineapple flavors and lots of grilled nut and spice notes.  Long, creamy finish.  Flashy, New World style that’s hard to resist.  Drink now through 2004.  1,165 cases made

• 88 Bodega Catena Zapata Chardonnay Mendoza Alamos 2001 $10
  Pretty pear and piecrust flavors, with hints of lime and flowers.  Nice round texture and good length on the finish.  Juicy and very tasty.  Drink now. 26,000 cases made

• 91 Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Catena Lunlunta Vineyards 2000 $25
  The alluring smoke and meat aromas pull you in, then the concentrated blackberry and raspberry fruit and mineral and sanguine notes hold your palate while the fleshy finish builds in intensity.  Shows the full range of flavor for this grape, with great cut, too.  Drink now through 2006.  12,325 cases made.

• 84 Bodgea Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Alamos 2001 $10

• 86 Bodega Catena Zapata Bonarda Mendoza Alamos 2001 $10
  Nice, tasty dark plum and berry fruit, with sweet vanilla and toast on the gutsy finish.  Drink now.  5,500 cases made.

• 83 Bodega Catena Zapata Pinot Noir Mendoza Alamos 2001 $10
  Good Varietal character, with cherry and spice notes and a light, easy finish.  Drink now. 3,500 cases made.