Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Nicasia Vineyard 2019

97 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "[$120 list] The 2019 Malbec Catena Zapata Nicasia Vineyard comes from a vineyard planted in Altamira in 1996 at 1,095 meters above sea level with an old massale selection. It has contained ripeness and 13.7% alcohol from a cooler year in a warmer place. It's a classical Malbec, balanced and elegant but also powerful with fine tannins. It finishes with violets and spice. It's a Malbec with spicy oak. 11,400 bottles produced. It was bottled in November 2020. Drink: 2022-2030. (11/30/22)"

96 points Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous): "From Paraje Altamira, the 2019 Malbec Nicasia Vineyard was made with grapes from a selected set of rows in Parcel #1 of the Nicasia Vineyard and aged for 24 months in new and second use French barrels. Dense, bright purple in the glass. The fruitiness of the complex, attractive nose is down to the region. The nose delivers a mixture of fresh plum and blackberry with lavender and violet aromas, hints of country herb and notes from the aging process. Broad but delicate in the mouth with good energy. The palate is gently sculpted by chalky tannins made juicy by the freshness. The fruity intensity is enhanced by the texture. A superb Malbec. Drink: 2021-2039. (Nov 2021)"

95 points James Suckling: "Intense nose of blackberries, dark plums, stones, tar, tea leaves and licorice. Full-bodied with firm, focused tannins. Compact and precise. Mineral yet caressing finish. Give this time. A little viognier co-fermented with malbec. Try after 2024. (2/25/22)"

94 points Tim Atkin, MW: "(13.7%). Inky, profound and effortlessly smooth, with some of the chalky minerality that comes with the territory in Paraje Altamira, the Nicasia Malbec is layered, glossy and very appealing, with sappy graphite and blackberry flavours and some sweet mocha oak. 2024-31. (2022)"

93 points Wine Spectator: "[$120 list] Offers an alluring entry of loam, wood spice and fresh thyme, while the palate is fresh and enlivened by mineral acidity. Rich and full, with flavors of mocha-accented blackberry and plum that linger nicely around velvety tannins. Drink now through 2032. 950 cases made, 200 cases imported. (10/31/22)"