Bodegas Catena, Nicolas Catena Zapata, 2020

Bodega Catena Zapata and Nicolás Catena have both been instrumental in the development of fine wine production in Argentina. The first vintage of this Cabernet Sauvignon and Malbec blend set a new standard of quality for wines from South America in 1997, winning a series of blind tastings against other prestigious wines from around the world.

This has a complex nose of baked blackberries, grilled plums, dried earth, moss, pine cones, sandalwood, charcoal and cloves. It’s medium-bodied with firm, tightly knit tannins. Wow. So much going on. Layered, seamless and silky. Incredible length. Keeps going. 42% cabernet sauvignon, 30% malbec and 28% cabernet franc. Try this from 2024. 98/100 points. James Suckling

This is always quite classical in style, with some spiciness from the barrels and hints of smoke and toast, still very young and undeveloped. It has the traditional Bordeaux blend character and is herbal, floral and spicy, with a beautiful texture, very nice balance and very fine, chalky tannins. 2019 was a very dry year, and the berries were small, very healthy and delivered powerful wines. 96/100 points. Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate)

One of the classic Argentinian names, and one of the benchmark properties for the Place de Bordeaux. Very much on point in terms of estate signature - powerful, if subdued on the opening beats. This revs up through the mid palate, with grippy tannins, tons of black cherry, cassis and grilled oak, strays towards overpowered but pulls back to deliver crushed rock and black truffle on the finish. Clear ageing ability. Ungrafted vines, Fernando Buscema winemaker. 94/100 points. Jane Anson