2004 Catena Zapata Nicolas Museum Release Cabernet Malbec

Brand	Catena Zapata Wines
Region	Mendoza
Varietal	Cabernet Sauvignon
Size	750ml
Alcohol %	14.0%
Vintage	2004
Country	Argentina

The inaugural 1997 vintage of this Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend revolutionised South American winemaking by establishing a new benchmark for quality. It gained international acclaim by winning a series of blind tastings, outperforming prestigious cuvées from around the globe. This exceptional wine is a testament to meticulous craftsmanship and precision at every stage. The harvest schedule is dictated by the soil composition of each lot, with timing varying by several weeks to capture optimal ripeness. Tiny parcels of grapes are hand-destemmed, and the whole berries are gently transferred into 225–500-liter new French oak foudres for a 100%-barrel fermentation lasting 18 days. This process ensures seamless oak integration and preserves the wine's intense aromas. Cap management is performed by hand to achieve soft, elegant flavours and tannin extraction, while wild yeasts drive both the alcoholic and malolactic fermentations, enhancing complexity. The wine rests on considerable lees for added depth and undergoes 24 months of aging in French oak barrels. The result is an extraordinary blend, crafted through 210 separate micro-vinifications from distinct rows, harvest times, and vineyard parcels—a true labour of love that reflects its origins and pedigree.

a vibrant, expressive and almost aristocratic bouquet that’s beguiling, intriguing and captivating, with aromas of violets, black cherry, liquorice, sandalwood, leather, green peppercorns, black pepper and dustings of vanilla oak.

a densely packed wine that’s opulent, seductive yet managing an austerity at the same time. Ripe complex flavours flood the senses, yet there is restraint and elegance with an underlying power. Blackcurrant, leather, coffee grind flavours merge throughout, built upon by the peppery tannic/acid backbone. A wine still in its youth and needs another 10 years+. Decant before serving and it commands all fine cuts of beef. The recommended serving temperature is 16-18 degrees.