68% Cabernet Sauvignon, 32% Malbec. The Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from the lime, clay soil of Lot 3 in the La Pirámide vineyard and the sandy, lime soil of Lot 3 in the Domingo vineyard. The 2002 vintage was cooler than usual in La Pirámide, with average March temperatures 1.5º C below normal, resulting in complex aromatics and firm structure. March conditions were slightly warmer than usual in Domingo, with average temperatures reaching 1.7º C above normal, offering generous fruit flavors and touches of green pepper and mint. The Malbec fruit was sourced from the sandy soil of Lot 9 in the Adrianna vineyard and the sandy, lime soil of Lot 1 in the Altamira vineyard. Similar to Domingo, the Adrianna experienced average March temperatures some 1.9º C higher than normal for Malbec grapes with a great depth of flavor and concentration. The Altamira vineyard, like La Pirámide, had cooler than average March temperatures, about 1º C below normal, which produced Malbec fruit with a soft, velvety texture. This vintage should be enjoyed in 6 to 7 years and will continue to improve over the following 14 to 16 years.
|
| Name: |
Nicolás Catena Zapata |
| Varietal: |
68% Cabernet Sauvignon; 32% Malbec |
| Vintage: |
2002 |
| Vineyards: |
Cabernet: La Pirámide Vineyard, Agrelo district, 3,100’ elevation, Domingo Vineyard, Villa Bastias district, 3,700’ elevation.
Malbec: Adrianna Vineyard, Gualtallary district, 4,610’ elevation |
| Harvest Date: |
Cabernet: La Pirámide Vineyard: March 23, 2002, Domingo Vineyard: March 26 2002
Malbec: Adrianna Vineyard: April 26 2002, Altamira Vineyard: April 12, 2002 |
| Fermentation: |
Cabernet: La Pirámide Vineyard: Max temp. 28° C, 28 day maceration, Domingo Vineyard: Max temp. 28° C, 26 day maceration
Malbec: Adrianna Vineyard: Max temp. 30° C, 31 day maceration, Altamira Vineyard: Max temp. 29° C, 30 day maceration |
| Aging: |
24 months in 100% new French oak |
| Alcohol: |
13.9% vol. |
| Acidity/pH: |
5.85/3.70 |
| Fining/Filtration: |
Unfined/Unfiltered |
| Production: |
1,500 9 liter cases |
|
The 2002 Growing Season:
The 2002 vintage was truly spectacular, certainly qualifying as one of the best in a generation. The climatic conditions in the ever so important ripening months of January through April could not have been better. The dry, sunny days and cooler than normal nights allowed the vines to enjoy uninterrupted ripening. The harvest season was cool and dry, resulting in extended hang time and maximum ripeness for all varietals.
The Vineyards:
The core Cabernet Sauvignon fruit component was sourced from Lot 3 of the La Pirámide vineyard. With exceptional homogeneity and balance, these Cabernet Sauvignon grapes offer rich cassis flavors, supple texture and excellent structure. A second component of Cabernet Sauvignon was sourced from Lot 2 of the Domingo Vineyard. This higher altitude, cooler climate vineyard provides fruit with ripe red currant flavors, strong mineral notes and a touch of mint.
The core Malbec fruit component was sourced from Lot 3 of the Adrianna Vineyard, the highest Malbec vineyard in Mendoza. This extremely cold, mountain microclimate produces exceptionally concentrated Malbec grapes with ripe black cherry flavors interwoven with delicate floral aromas and finely grained tannins. A second component is sourced from Lot 1 of the southerly located Altamira vineyard. Another cool area for Malbec, the fruit from this vineyard presents fresh black berry flavors with a touch of black pepper and soft, sweet tannins.
The Wine:
The 2002 Nicolás Catena Zapata presents a dark, opaque violet color. The nose is packed full of ripe black berry fruit aromas, with layers of eucalyptus, black pepper, and mineral notes. The mouthfeel is full, yet supple, with a soft, generous texture. On the palate, the wine offers rich, concentrated flavors of cassis and black currant fruit interwoven with notes of cigar box, sweet spice and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering, with well structured tannins and racy acidity. |
