Bodegas Catena 2015 Catena Alta Cabernet Sauvignon (Mendoza) Argentina
Availability: BCLDB stores
Cost: $48.99 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: May 16th, 2018
Tasting Notes: A blend of 95% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Cabernet Franc sourced from 3 of the winery's high elevation vineyards in different sub-regions of Mendoza: each lot selected for what it can bring out in the finished wine. In terms of relatability, think the concentration of California (sans the over-extraction) meets the finesse of the Haut-Médoc. Nice balance between familiar cassis and black fruit characters and layers of savoury notes on the nose and palate; cocoa, herbs and smooth oak. Ready to go now with a long decant, though, best in another 1-2 years. Drink 2020-2025.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2018 IconWines.ca
Catena Zapata 2015 Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $21-23 + taxes
Alcohol: 13%
Date Tasted: August 28th, 2017
Tasting Notes: Catena's High Mountain Vines Malbec is fresh and fruity without any jammy characters and a nice balance between floral and cola-infused, berry aromas on the nose and between black cherry and spicy-savoury flavours on the (mostly) dry, full-bodied palate. Notes of smokey oak, licorice and light mint linger on the moderate-plus finish. Ready to go in its youth. Drink now-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2017 IconWines.ca
Catena Zapata 2014 Malbec (Mendoza) Argentina
Availability: BCLDB Stores
Cost: $21-23 + taxes
Alcohol: 13.5%
Date Tasted: July 9th, 2016
Tasting Notes: A fresh and lifted Malbec produced by the Catena Zapata family from their many high elevation vineyards in Mendoza. Floral and fruity with violet and black currant aromas above underlying notes of light spice, sweet earth and pencil shavings. Palate has a hint of residual sugar with prominent, wild blackberry flavour and acidity followed by savoury notes of oak, spice, minerals and light licorice. Nothing out of place. Ready to go in its youth. Drink now-2019.
- Liam Carrier ©copyright 2016 IconWines.ca
