96
points
Bodega Catena Zapata 2005 Argentino Malbec (Mendoza)
-
$123
This blend from the Nicasia and Adrianna vineyards is the best Malbec on the market today. There’s raisin, mineral, licorice, blackberry and more. The mouth is like a Mack truck on ice skates, meaning it’s both huge and elegant. And the mile-long finish of coffee, mocha and molten black fruit is awesome. Drink now through 2013.
— M.S.
(8/1/2009)
96
points
Bodega Catena Zapata 2005 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)
-
$123
Features intoxicating pastry, blueberry, cola and coffee aromas in front of a minerally, terroir-packed palate of soft black fruit, chocolate, fine herbs and other character-aiding touches. The mouthfeel is fabulous and the finish of Swiss chocolate and integrated spice is as smooth as silk. Drink now through 2011.
— M.S.
(8/1/2009)
95
points
Vistalba 2007 Corte A Red (Mendoza)
-
$50
A wine that makes you take notice. The bouquet is intense, with minerality, char, huge black-fruit aromas and handsome shadings of chocolate and coffee. Power and purity come on like gangbusters, and the flavors are a classic mix of blackberry, cassis and fine Swiss chocolate. Heady, smooth and impressive. My highest rated wine yet from Carlos Pulenta’s Vistalba…
— M.S.
(12/31/2010)
95
points
Bodega Catena Zapata 2006 Argentino Malbec (Mendoza)
-
$120
Stately, stunning Malbec with alluring aromas of balsam wood, flower petals, cocoa and cola along with major league berry action. The palate is saturated, pure, tannic and loaded with blasting berry fruit, licorice and more. Let it age for at least another year or two (maybe more). Then let it rip with a porterhouse steak.
— M.S.
(7/1/2010)
94
points
Trapiche 2008 Viña Jorge Miralles Single Vineyard Malbec (Mendoza)
-
$55
The best of the 2008 batch of Trapiche single-vineyard Malbecs is this one from Jorge Miralles’ vineyard. Dark, smoky and elegant on the nose, with blackberry, cassis and toasty spice flavors. It’s juicy, deep and balanced, with a long, sultry, smooth finish. Pure and showing nary a fault. Drink now through 2015.
— M.S.
(8/1/2011)
94
points
Bodega Catena Zapata 2007 Nicolas Catena Zapata Red (Mendoza)
-
$120
A ripe, modern success with everything a fan of New World reds might want. The nose is floral and beautiful, with fine oak scents supporting brilliant raspberry, plum and spice aromas. It’s deep, smooth and pressing in the mouth, with a delicious set of blackberry, coconut, vanilla and creamy flavors. A beauty to drink now through 2017.
— M.S.
(3/1/2011)