Catena Zapata Nicolas - $119.00

Catena Zapata Nicolas(No rating yet)

Picture a blind tasting where some Argentinian cowboys (and cowgirls) destroy some French first growths, not just once but again and again. Pricey yet, but actually the lowest priced wine of this ratings pedigree by a wide margin. As in repeatedly kicks Haut Brion and Gaya’s butt.

10% whole cluster and 90% whole berry fruit is hand-loaded into 225-500 liter new French oak barrels for a 100% barrel fermentation for a period of 20-30 days, allowing seamless oak integration. The fermentation temperature is kept low, extracting intense aromas, and the cap management is done by hand to ensure soft, gentle flavors and tannin extraction. Wild yeasts. Alcoholic and malolactic fermentation in barrel leaves considerable lees and sediment. The wine is aged in French oak barrels for 24 months and an additional 24 months in bottle before release. 210 separate row microvinifications from different lots and harvest times.

Orchard Wine Cellar Movers and Shakers This Week

  • Misc

    #1 Misc


    (Holding the #1 spot)

  • Tintero Moscato

    #2 Tintero Moscato

    Sori Gramella refers to the one of the only single vineyard Moscatos, and Marco is the only producer to bottle this striking limestone amphitheater commercially. Once the 30 year old vines give up their bounty, and the grapes are harvested and pressed, they are kept in stainless steel at a low temperature to prevent fermentation until an order is received in order to provide the freshest wine possible. (behind by 2 bottles)

  • Armas de Guerra Rose

    #3 Armas de Guerra Rose

    My heavens! 50+ year old, organic Mencia vines from some of the highest vineyards in Bierzo. Subtle aromas of strawberry, pink grapefruit and white pepper play with clean river rock minerality touched by zesty key lime. Balance and finish are tied together with a vibrating acidity. Structured and executed like a world class ballerina doing flamenco. Sells out every year for good reason. Lighter than Provence, a different planet than White Zin. The only hard part is only opening one bottle at a time. (behind by 3 bottles)

  • Bonavita Red

    #4 Bonavita Red

    Made from four grapes harvested later than usual to achieve a greater ripeness and smoothness. A deep and inky wine, with ripe plum and blackcurrant aromas. Nice ripe fig and cherry with chocolate and licorice flavors. Just enough oak to give it some backbone. tied

Fun New Arrivals

  • Chateau Deux Rocs

    Chateau Deux Rocs

    A rose of lovely character, with fleshy red fruit and floral aromas. Its intense fruit and tannic backbone will make it the perfect match for spicy Mexican or Thai food.

  • Broc Carignan

    Broc Carignan

    From 130+ yr old vines, and on original rootstock comes this remarkable Carignan. All native yeasts, no SO2 used during production means pure bright flavors of tart cherry, blueberry and unmistakeable juicy tang from carbonic maceration. Why spend $34 on wine.com?

  • Gewurz

    Gewurz

    A CA Gewurztraminer crafted in the style of those from the Alps. Great crisp minerality, rose petal and lychee notes, with bright acidity to hold it together. All organic from the rugged and cooler Potter Valley in Mendocino. Try with grilled chicken or pork chops to see what a great food wine this is!

  • Poseidon Pinot Noir

    Poseidon Pinot Noir

    From vineyards with a view of the bay comes this well balanced, lively and delicious Pinot Noir. A easy drinking, medium-bodied wine showing off some rare and black pepper spiced Hungarian oak to balance the raspberry aromas and flavors.