Catena Zapata, Nicasia Vineyard, Malbec 2019
Product Information
Country Argentina
Region Mendoza
Grape Variety Malbec
Vintage 2019
ABV 13.7%
The Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec 2019 is a standout premium Argentine wine from the legendary Nicasia Vineyard in the La Consulta district of the Uco Valley, Mendoza. Sourced from a rare planting of Catena’s carefully selected Malbec cuttings, this wine represents historic terroir once favoured by the Catena family and is crafted with traditional methods and meticulous care.
• Region: Mendoza, Argentina (Uco Valley – Altamira)
• Grape Variety: 100% Malbec
• Vintage: 2019
• Alcohol: 13.7% ABV
• Style: Full-bodied, elegant, age-worthy Malbec
Why Wine Collectors Love It
The Nicasia Vineyard is uniquely positioned at approximately 1,095 meters (3,593 ft) above sea level, with shallow loamy topsoil and gravelly subsoil offering excellent drainage, ideal for producing intensely flavoured, finely structured Malbec.
This wine undergoes:
• 100% barrel fermentation in new French oak
• Wild yeast fermentation with delicate cap management
• 20 months maturation in French oak
• 24 months resting in bottle before release
The result is a wine of depth and finesse, perfect for collectors and serious Malbec enthusiasts seeking an expressive Old World-meets-New World experience.
Expert Critic Scores & Reviews
Professional Ratings
• 97 Points – Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate – Classic, balanced, elegant with fine tannins and spice finish.
• 95 Points – James Suckling – Intense aromatics of dark fruit, licorice, tea leaves, with focused structure.
• 93 Points – Wine Spectator – Highly expressive and complex.
Overall Score Range: 93–97+, placing this vintage among Argentina’s exceptional Malbecs.
Tasting Notes
Nose:
• Rich cassis, blackberry, and dark cherry
• Violet, spice, and subtle cedar
• Mineral hints with graphite and delicate oak
Palate:
• Full-bodied yet refined
• Layers of ripe dark berries, leather, and cigar box spice
• Silky texture with concentrated fruit and polished tannins
• Long, elegant finish with emerging earthy complexities
This structure makes the 2019 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec both approachable now and ideally suited for cellaring over the next 8–15 years.
Food & Pairing Suggestions
Pair this wine with bold, flavour-rich dishes to match its intensity:
• Grilled ribeye steak with herb butter
• Rack of lamb with rosemary and garlic
• Charred BBQ short ribs
• Hearty wild mushroom ragout
• Aged cheeses such as manchego or aged cheddar
The balanced acidity and tannin structure support rich proteins, while the earthy notes enhance savoury sides.
FAQs
Q. Is the 2019 Nicasia Vineyard Malbec age-worthy?
A. Yes, with high structure and balance, this wine will evolve beautifully over the next decade or more.
Q. What is the best serving temperature?
A. Decant and serve at 16–18°C to fully express aromas and flavours.
Q. Does it pair well with vegetarian dishes?
A. Absolutely, rich grilled vegetables, truffle risotto and hearty bean stews complement its spice and mineral complexity.
Q. Is it limited release?
A. Yes, this is a small production, single-vineyard wine and is often allocated to collectors.
Final Thoughts
The Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard Malbec 2019 stands as a benchmark for premium Argentine Malbec, combining intensity, elegance, and longevity. Whether you are expanding a collection or searching for a memorable bottle to celebrate, this wine exemplifies the heights of Mendoza’s terroir and craftsmanship.
Discover our range of Catena Zapata wines.
Read our Blog on Catena Zapata wines.
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