Catena Zapata Birth of Cabernet 2022
96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados. A fascinating new release from the Catena Institute’s historical vineyard project, The Birth of Cabernet is more than just a name — it’s a tribute to the earliest Cabernet vines planted in Mendoza in the early 20th century. Drawn from old vines in Agrelo, this 2021 is a snapshot of place and time: cool nights, low yields, and a long growing season delivering purity, poise and quiet power.
Wine Press Ratings
96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados (2022 Vintage)
96 Points - James Suckling (2021 Vintage)
"Cigar box, tobacco and dark truffles with lots of ripe dark olives. Piles of dusty tannins grow on the palate in a crescendo, with great focus and freshness. The layered, lengthy finish goes on and on."
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon | 10% Cabernet Franc
About the Producer
Catena has become a byword for Argentinean wine brilliance. Founded in 1902 and now run by Dr. Laura Catena, it has helped make Malbec Argentina’s signature grape.  Pioneers from the start, Nicolas Cantena’s belief in high altitude viniculture has given birth to an entirely new style of Malbec wines, ones that are as refined as a Classed Growth Bordeaux , but which retain that Latin flair that makes Argentinean Malbec so popular. Their estate is made up of six vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo, Tupungato and San Carlos sub-regions of Mendoza, at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to an ear-popping 4,750 feet (920 to 1450 meters) above sea level. Quality is all that matters here, and from their entry-level wines such as the Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2019 to the rare Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, their obsession with excellence shines through.
96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados. A fascinating new release from the Catena Institute’s historical vineyard project, The Birth of Cabernet is more than just a name — it’s a tribute to the earliest Cabernet vines planted in Mendoza in the early 20th century. Drawn from old vines in Agrelo, this 2021 is a snapshot of place and time: cool nights, low yields, and a long growing season delivering purity, poise and quiet power.
Wine Press Ratings
96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados (2022 Vintage)
96 Points - James Suckling (2021 Vintage)
"Cigar box, tobacco and dark truffles with lots of ripe dark olives. Piles of dusty tannins grow on the palate in a crescendo, with great focus and freshness. The layered, lengthy finish goes on and on."
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon | 10% Cabernet Franc
About the Producer
Catena has become a byword for Argentinean wine brilliance. Founded in 1902 and now run by Dr. Laura Catena, it has helped make Malbec Argentina’s signature grape.  Pioneers from the start, Nicolas Cantena’s belief in high altitude viniculture has given birth to an entirely new style of Malbec wines, ones that are as refined as a Classed Growth Bordeaux , but which retain that Latin flair that makes Argentinean Malbec so popular. Their estate is made up of six vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo, Tupungato and San Carlos sub-regions of Mendoza, at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to an ear-popping 4,750 feet (920 to 1450 meters) above sea level. Quality is all that matters here, and from their entry-level wines such as the Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2019 to the rare Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, their obsession with excellence shines through.
Description
96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados. A fascinating new release from the Catena Institute’s historical vineyard project, The Birth of Cabernet is more than just a name — it’s a tribute to the earliest Cabernet vines planted in Mendoza in the early 20th century. Drawn from old vines in Agrelo, this 2021 is a snapshot of place and time: cool nights, low yields, and a long growing season delivering purity, poise and quiet power.
Wine Press Ratings
96 Points - Patricio Tapia - Descorchados (2022 Vintage)
96 Points - James Suckling (2021 Vintage)
"Cigar box, tobacco and dark truffles with lots of ripe dark olives. Piles of dusty tannins grow on the palate in a crescendo, with great focus and freshness. The layered, lengthy finish goes on and on."
Blend: 90% Cabernet Sauvignon | 10% Cabernet Franc
About the Producer
Catena has become a byword for Argentinean wine brilliance. Founded in 1902 and now run by Dr. Laura Catena, it has helped make Malbec Argentina’s signature grape.  Pioneers from the start, Nicolas Cantena’s belief in high altitude viniculture has given birth to an entirely new style of Malbec wines, ones that are as refined as a Classed Growth Bordeaux , but which retain that Latin flair that makes Argentinean Malbec so popular. Their estate is made up of six vineyards in the Luján de Cuyo, Tupungato and San Carlos sub-regions of Mendoza, at altitudes ranging from 3,000 to an ear-popping 4,750 feet (920 to 1450 meters) above sea level. Quality is all that matters here, and from their entry-level wines such as the Catena Appellation La Consulta Malbec 2019 to the rare Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino, their obsession with excellence shines through.
