Catena Zapata Nicolás Catena Zapata Mendoza 2004

98+ points Jay S. Miller (Wine Advocate): "Catena Zapata’s flagship is the Nicolas Catena Zapata, a Cabernet Sauvignon-Malbec blend. The 2004 Nicolas Catena Zapata is composed of 72% Cabernet Sauvignon and 28% Malbec. It spent 18 months in 100% new French oak. A saturated black purple in color, it has an aristocratic perfume of pain grille, mineral, espresso, saddle leather, cassis, black currant, and black raspberry. Opulently textured, complex, ripe, and sweet on the palate, it maintains a sense of elegance as well as power. It demands 10-15 years of further cellaring and should still be providing pleasure at age 50. It strikes me as being Argentina’s equivalent of a great vintage of Lafite-Rothschild. Drink: 2018-2058. (12/27/07)"

98 points Lisa Perrotti-Brown (The Wine Independent): "The 2004 Nicolas Catena Zapata is blended with 78% Cabernet Sauvignon and 22% Malbec, and has a deep garnet color. It needs a fair bit of swirling to unlock the scents of stewed plums, boysenberry preserves, and crème de cassis with hints of violets, charcuteries, tar, and clove oil. Medium to full-bodied, the palate is concentrated, delivering mouth-coating blackcurrant preserves and firm, ripe, grainy tannins with seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy. It has a long life ahead! Alcohol 14%. Drink: 2022-2037. (10/13/22)"

96 points Tina Gellie (Decanter): "Lucky you if you have this in your cellar. In a blind tasting you'd never guess this was a 2004: sure it has flavours of currants, prunes and fruitcake alongside the smoky, spiced oak, resolved velvety tannins and savoury leather silkiness, but the fruit is so bold and juicy it tastes a good five to 10 years younger. Open, juicy and delicious with great poise and freshness. Drinking Window: 2022-2030. (11/04/22)"

95 points James Suckling: "Loads of licorice and currants with a smoky, chocolate and coffee undertone. Aniseed, too. Sweet tobacco. It’s medium-to full-bodied with creamy tannins and a soft finish. It’s totally resolved and delicious now, in a bigger style. 78% cabernet sauvignon and 22% malbec. Drink or hold. (11/11/20)"