Zapata Birth of Cabernet
2021
At heart, Catena is a story about family. Family who poured their lives, passion, and spirit into transforming scrub-laden desert into some of the most beautiful and unique vineyards in the world. Family that passed their knowledge from generation to generation, blending collective memory with state-of-the-art science from the new world of viticulture. Family who, through risk-taking, faith, and a little luck, transformed their treasured Mendoza terroir into the fountainhead of the...
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Sourced from 2 vineyards: the Angélica Sur Vineyard, Paraje El Cepillo, San Carlos, Valle de Uco, Mendoza. An elevation of 1.100m, on loamy alluvial with dense surface gravel. La Pirámide Vineyard, Agrelo, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. An elevation of 950m, alluvial origin, lay topsoil with rounded rocks on the bottom.
The harvest is done by hand, and the fermentation takes place in concrete eggs, small stainless-steel tanks and French oak roll-fermentors, at temperatures of 26-28°C for about 12-18 days. Total maceration of around 18-22 days. Aged in French oak for 18-24 months. First, second and third use barrels.
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.
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A bit richer and more classically informed than much of the contemporary Catena Zapata portfolio, the 2022 Birth of Cabernet comprises 90% Cabernet Sauvignon (sourced from Angélica Sur Vineyard in El Cepillo and La Pirámide Vineyard in Luján de Cuyo) and 10% Cabernet Franc from El Cepillo. It fermented in a combination of concrete eggs, stainless steel tanks and rolling French barriques before aging in first-, second- and third-use barrels. Opening with an herbal and balsamic profile enhanced by notes of toasted tobacco, the palate is round, rich and enveloping, culminating in a creamy, lush finish supported by a firm, stony undercurrent.
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