Bodega Catena Zapata Malbec Mendoza Alta 2006: Inky dark purple; wild flowers, dark cherry nose; lush, elegant, chewy, vibrant, coats the mouth in flavor waves of dark plum, blackberry, black cherry; gentle, fine-grain tannin, elegant acidity; French oak adds refined pepper, vanilla, mocha. This has depth, length, complexity, and is delicious. Spectator and Enthusiast rated it 92, Parker 93—this clearly is a top-shelf malbec. It also raises one of the great wine questions: compared to the recently reviewed Alamos Selección Malbec, is it worth three times the price? Subjective call made easier if you are able to write checks without glancing at your bank balance. The bottom line is Mendoza wineries produce world-class wines. My wish: you enjoy this level of wine soon, and the Alamos Selección Malbec every week. $55
