Bodega Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata Mendoza(1999)

The 1999 Nicolás Catena Zapata presents deep reddish color with marked tones of violet and purple. The aromatic structure offers intense cassis and black raspberry fruit meshed with notes of vanilla and spice. Powerful and full-bodied, this wine shows a remarkable elegance and harmony. The long, lingering finish is dominated by sweet, velvety tannins

Name: Nicolás Catena Zapata
Varietal: 82% Cabernet Sauvignon; 18 % Malbec
Vineyards: Cabernet: La Piramide Vineyard, Agrelo district, 940m elevation
Malbec: Adrianna Vineyard, Gualtallary district, read more...1,440m elevation.
Harvest Date: Cabernet: March 29, 1999
Malbec: April 27, 1999
Fermentation: Max. Temp. 31 C with a 30 day maceration
Aging: 18 months in 100% new French oak
Alcohol: 13.8% vol
Acidity/pH: 5.77/3.45
Fining/Filtration: Unfined/Unfiltered

VINTAGE
The Cabernet Sauvignon fruit was sourced from the lime, clay soils of Lot 3 in the La Piramide Vineyard (planted in 1983). Even cooler March temperatures than 1997 during the day, with averages of 17.6º C, and very cold nights, with lows averaging 11.5º C, allowed for the development of complex aromatics, a rich middle palate and elegant, finely grained tannins. The Malbec fruit was sourced from the sandy soils of Lot 3 in the Adrianna Vineyard (planted in 1992). This unique high altitude microclimate at almost 5,000 feet elevation, had warmer than normal pre-harvest temperatures for April, with monthly averages at 18.4°C. The result was rich, fleshy Malbec fruit with a supple texture and velvety finish.    (hide)