2012 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino

Argentino combines fruit from the Adriana and Nicasia Vineyards and includes a little Cabernet Franc and Viognier, as well as 20% whole bunches. It's sweet, plush and very smooth, with a touch of Asian spice and mouth-caressing fruit. A wine that's made to appeal to the US market above all. 2016-22

A rich, focused red, with blueberry and boysenberry flavors supported by firm acidity and muscular tannins. Slate and pepper notes show on the powerful and well-sculpted finish, delivering plenty of savory accents. Drink now through 2022.

The 2012 Catena Zapata Malbec Argentino is a blend of grapes from Adrianna (Gualtallary) and Nicasia (Altamira) vineyards in the Uco Valley. The nose made me think of meat broth, vegetable concentrate and other umami-laden foods as it's really tasty. There is something earthy too, and the palate is concentrated yet feels light. Balance, harmony, power and freshness.

"Bright ruby-red. Blackberry, cassis, licorice and violet on the youthfully medicinal but vibrant nose. Very tight and minerally in the early going, with pungent acidity contributing to the impression of inner-mouth floral lift. Strong smoky and saline minerality. Fifty percent of this wine was fermented via carbonic maceration. Tannins are big and firm but one feels the acidity today; the pH is a moderate 3.5. No shortage of sweetness here, but the wine's spine will require patience.

This comes from two vineyards in the Uco Valley, one in La Consulta at 3,600 feet, the other in Gualtallary, at 1000 feet higher. And as is typical of this bottling, it defies the concept of Malbec as a soft and gentle grape. Here strong tannins bind to imposing acidity, creating a powerfull red that will need years to resolve. However, the fruit is so lovely in its ripeness and depth that it's hard not to succumb to the temptation to open this now with an aged Manchego. Your decision.

A rich, focused red, with blueberry and boysenberry flavors supported by firm acidity and muscular tannins. Slate and pepper notes show on the powerful and well-sculpted finish, delivering plenty of savory accents. Drink now through 2022.