CATENA ZAPATA | Agrelo | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019
cabernet sauvignon

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Family vintners for over 100 years, the Catena family is recognized for its pioneering role in high-altitude viticulture and in leading Argentina’s malbec revolution. In the 1950’s, Don Domingo Catena began sourcing malbec grapes from the vineyards of La Consulta, where the combination of intense sunlight and cool nights resulted in a wine that Domingo Catena prized for its deep purple color, vibrant black fruit aromatics and velvety-rich tannins – a wine that might be considered as the blueprint for argentinian high-altitude malbec.
Today we are going to review a true classic – a single-varietal and single-vineyard cabernet sauvignon wine from the famous Mendoza region of Argentina – Agrelo Cabernet Sauvignon 2019 by Catena Zapata. Cabernet Sauvignon is grown all over the world in a wide range of climates, producing wines that are high in tannins and natural acidity, wines that can mature and develop for many years in the bottle. Cabernet Sauvignon is also a late ripening grape variety, which means that it is best suited for warmer regions, where it is capable to produce wines that can reach into realms of perfection, where they are rarely followed.

The grapes for this wine were sourced from the slopes of Agrelo vineyard, planted at 950 meters altitude on clay-rich soils of alluvial origin, with gravel and rounded rocks in the subsoil. In order to preserve the varietal characteristics of the cabernet sauvignon grapes and those much desired terroir-driven hints that Mendoza region is famous for, the wine has been aged for 12 months in french oak barriques, from which only 35% new oak, the rest of the wine was aged in oak barrels at second and third fill.

The Agrelo microregion stands out due to its diverse soil composition of sand, clay, and silt, which delivers excellent drainage and encourages deep root systems of the vines. Here, the high-altitude vineyards are located approximately 950 meters above sea level, providing an ideal microclimate for grape cultivation, where warm days and cool nights create almost ideal conditions for ripening grapes while preserving their natural acidity. When comparing Agrelo cabernet sauvignon wines with those from other regions, the Agrelo wines almost always stand out for their robust tannins and vibrant acidity.

color: medium-deep ruby color
clarity: hazy garnet shades at the rim

In the glass, this wine presents a medium-deep ruby color, with hazy garnet shades at the rim that suggest vibrancy and depth.

intensity: pronounced & savory
fruit character: ripe

The aromatic profile opens up with rich blackcurrant and ripe plum, complemented by blackberry and wild cherry. As the wine breathes, brown olive, old leather, and hints of iron unfold, adding complexity and sophistication. The influence of oak reveals notes of tobacco and sun-dried oakwood, with spicy undertones further enhancing the bouquet with refreshing hints of cloves and nutmeg.

sweetness: dry | acidity: high | alcohol: medium+ | tannin: high | balance: good
finish: long | aftertaste: pleasantly-crisp

On the palate, the wine feels full-bodied and delicately-flavored, showcasing notes of wild cherries and blackberries, weaving through subtle hints of pencil lead and sand. The firm yet velvety tannins provide structure without overwhelming the fruit, while vibrant acidity gives the wine a lively character. The lengthy, mineral-driven finish, accented by subtle earth and granite notes, nods to its unique terroir.

maturity: almost in its prime | drink now or in the next 2 to 3 years
verdict: great | a must try wine | a wine that has all the traits to become legendary

Overall, this is an ample and well-structured wine with a nuanced, terroir-driven accent which radiates that genuine rustic delicacy that only the best wines are capable to deliver. Its round and velvety mouthfeel, coupled with the wine’s voluptuous and rich character, creates a truly captivating sensory experience. While it may benefit from some additional bottle aging, there is no doubts that the wine can be also be enjoyed today without sacrificing too much of its ageing potential.

CATENA ZAPATA | Agrelo | Cabernet Sauvignon | 2019
variety: cabernet sauvignon
country: Argentina
region: Mendoza | Agrelo
rating: 94.3

For a delightful wine tasting experience, consider pairing this wine with hearty meals such as black angus filet mignon, rich stews, or a classic charcuterie platter. The wine’s velvety mouthfeel, coupled with its ripe black fruit character, will harmonize splendidly with the tenderness of the meat, while the earthy undertones and subtle oak notes in the wine will complement the seared character of the steak. In the same key, the bright acidity and crisp aftertaste of the wine, will provide a refreshing contrast to the silky texture of the meat, creating a truly unique dining experience.

Catena Zapata has been a family-owned winery for over a century, led by a pioneering spirit in high-altitude viticulture. Their commitment to quality has elevated the image of Argentine’s wines globally, particularly in the development of the Malbec grape variety. The winery’s vision blends tradition with innovation, focusing on expressing the true potential of the unique Mendoza’s terroir.

© The WineStatistics ratings are based solely on our own knowledge of the world of wine and on our personal wine tastes, which may, or may not, differ from yours – the reader. Just remember that there are no absolutes of right and wrong in wine appreciation. Cheers!