2016 Catena Cabernet Sauvignon Appellation Agrelo Mendoza

Catena Zapata is the Argentina winery of reference - the standard of excellence for comparing all others. The brilliant, forward-thinking Nicolas Catena remains in charge, with his daughter, Laura, playing an increasingly large role.

Bright ruby-red. Aromas of cassis, licorice, menthol and herbs, with some obviously very ripe, even port-like qualities that may be from late-picked fruit. Rich, plush and intense in the mouth, as well as suaver than the nose suggests, offering a sexy sweetness but also excellent framing acidity to its dark berry and menthol flavors. This is impressively broad for 2016 Cabernet Sauvignon. Finishing with substantial but fine-grained tannins and terrific energy and length, this wine would appear to have a bright future.