Ericsson

9.6

If you know, you know.

Just eying the bottle evokes a sense of mysticism—these are increasingly rare sightings, relics of a winemaking philosophy nearly lost to time. Opening it after a recent visit to the winery feels familiar, almost fated.

The color holds strong despite its 20+ years, with a core of garnet that defies its age. On the nose, memory takes over: the scent of the underground cellar, the mold-covered walls, the rustic perfume of wood and brick. Then come the classics notes—dried rose petals, red berries, and a whisper of spice.

The palate surprises with more volume than the bottle’s vintage muster’s. Lively red fruit mingles with savory earth and warm spice, carried by silken tannins. The finish lingers with a trace of wet oak, grounding the experience in place and time.

This is a wine of lineage, character, and quiet perseverance—a style too uncommon today. Most importantly, it was opened, shared, and deeply enjoyed. — a month ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

100% Malbec crafted by the Catena Zapata family, which established with their first Malbec vineyard planted in Mendoza, Argentina in the beginning of 1900’s.
This is sensational mid-range in the Zapata portfolio, highly perfumed wine, on nose it welcomes you with a blend of medley berries, ripen plums and baked blueberries. On the palate shows highly and deep flavors of dark chocolate, some hint of herbaceous and violet flowers as well.
The mouthfeel is denoted by the creamy and rounded tannins with a execptional depth and complexity. Decant it for 45-60 mins, pour and cheers! — a month ago

Karyn Fricke

9.0

Berry fruit nose with cinnamon and nutmeg spices. Medium tannins, well balanced great paella — 18 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2019 vintage. 05.12.25. — 6 days ago

Mo

9.2

WS: 93. Baked cherry, raspberry ganache and warm fig flavors are ripe and expressive, with a pleasing counterpoint and added detail from rich notes of loamy earth and leather, plus accents of bay leaf, vanilla and red licorice. There's a supple generosity on the palate, trimmed nicely by fine-grained tannins and a tang of orange peel acidity. Tempranillo and Garnacha. Drink now through 2032. 35,000 cases made, 9,000 cases imported.

Alison Napjus
Issue Date: Aug 31, 2024
Release Price: $45/750mL — 10 days ago

Boris Mathiszik

9.1

Beautiful Rioja. Layers of red fruit and nice acidity. Super mellow tannins at this age. Doesn’t need much to open up. — a month ago

Rob Mullen

9.1

This has really come together; earthier than two years ago when I last tasted. I’d probably finish any in the next 3 years or so. — 16 days ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.0

No whole bunch but nice spice and a salt flavour — 18 days ago

Michelle

9.2

Had in València. We really like this Rioja. Dry and smooth. A definite buy. — a month ago

James Burge

9.2

2004 tondonia - maybe the best rioja i’ve ever had — a month ago