Catena (Argentina) Cabernet Sauvignon 2000
I visited Argentina for the first time earlier this month, and an absolute highlight of the trip was my visit to Catena’s stunning Zapata winery in the Agrelo district. Head viticulturist Alejandro Sejanovich showed me round the vineyards, and explained the painstaking methods used to get the best from this terroir. This Cabernet Sauvignon comes from the Uxmal vineyard right in front of the winery, at an elevation of 3,100 feet above sea level. Following nine months in oak (87% of it French; 30% of it new barrels) there is quite a powerful note of coconut and vanilla at first, before a great raft of ripe, deep, cassis and mint, with a terrific suggestion sweetness and a dark chocolate note adding more depth. On the palate it is silky-textured and has a massive fruit sweetness, with piercingly intense blackcurrant, big, but ripe and polished tannins, and great length. Staying very pure and very fresh into the finish, this has lovely balance and really is a beautiful wine. The 2001 is every bit as good. £9.99, Majestic, Sainsbury’s, Tesco
