June 26, 2012
NYC Wine Tasting Group, Argentina Mountain High, Viva Malbec
2007 Catena Zapata "Nicolas Catena Zapata" (Argentina)
"The flagship, the 2007 Nicolas Catena Zapata, a blend of 70% Cabernet Sauvignon, 20% Malbec, and the balance Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. It delivers an enthralling aromatic array of pain grille, pencil lead, mineral, espresso, mocha, incense, lavender, black currant, black cherry, and blackberry. This leads to a full-bodied, powerful yet elegant effort with great depth and volume, precision balance, and a voluptuous personality (a D-cup of a wine). It conceals plenty of structure and will effortlessly evolve for 6-8 years, drinking well through 2032 if not longer. Catena Zapata’s newest releases continue the high standards established by this Bodega virtually from its onset, a tribute to Nicolas Catena who continues to oversee his empire." Rated 98 The Wine Advocate
2009 Bodegas Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza (Argentina)
The 2009 Catena Malbec was aged in 35% new French and American barriques for 14 months. Balsam wood, earthy minerals, spice box, lavender, and black cherry aromas compose the wine’s inviting bouquet. Spicy and savory in the glass, with ample black cherry and black raspberry flavors, this nicely proportioned Malbec is an outstanding value meant for drinking over the next 4-5 years.Rated 91 The Wine Advocate
2007 Valle Las Acequias Malbec Rosedale (Argentina)
The 2007 Valle Las Acequias Rosedal Malbec was sourced from a single 70-year-old vineyard and aged in French oak for 12 months. It admirably displays the merits of old vines and low yields in its rich, fleshy, incipiently complex personality. This balanced, lengthy effort will offer peak drinking from 2014 to 2022. Rated 91 The Wine Advocate
2003 Achaval Ferrer Quimera Vino Tinto Mendoza (Argentina)
Really juicy red, with raspberry, red currant and boysenberry fruit flavors mixed with racy mineral, briar and floral notes. Long, mouthwatering finish brings you back for more. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Cabernet Franc. Rated 92 The Wine Spectator
2009 Fabre Montmayou Malbec Reserva (Argentina)
All of the following red wines were produced with native ferments. The 2009 Malbec Gran Reserva was sourced from 103 year old vines and aged for 12 months in new French oak. Smoky oak, game, lavender, black cherry, and blueberry inform the nose of a layered, plush, flavorful wine with superb volume and length for its modest price. It has enough structure to evolve for 1-2 years and will provide enjoyment through 2019. Rated 91 The Wine Advocate
2009 Felino Vina Cobos Cabernet Sauvignon (Argentina)
Quite ripe, with plum sauce and blackberry jam notes woven with sweet licorice and spice. Sweet fruit hangs on the finish. Wine Spectator