Bodega Catena Zapata : "Catena Alta" Cabernet Sauvignon 2019

As with most Cabernet Sauvignon from Catena, the 2019 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon is not a 100% varietal wine but a blend of 96% Cabernet Sauvignon and 4% Cabernet Franc, as Cabernet Sauvignon on its own is often not complete enough. The Cabernet Franc must have given it an extra kick of freshness, increasing the already fresh character of the year. The palate is medium-bodied with plenty of herbal and fresh flavors and very fine, varietal tannins. 30,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2019.

Blackberries, wild raspberries, currants, lemon leaves, licorice and dried spices on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with firm, silky tannins. Very fine and precise. Fantastic freshness. Drink or hold.

The 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon Catena Alta has a 4% dash of Cabernet Franc and is made with grapes from Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley and aged for 18 months in varied use French barrels. Garnet red with a violet sheen, the aromas offer intense notes of ripe blackcurrant and plum with hints of mint, herbs, cedar and vanilla over gentle scents of red pepper. Presenting grippy tannins in the mouth, the palate is compact in spite of the volume and moderate freshness. A rich, characterful wine.