A serious Malbec, built for the long haul. Intense, harmonious black fruit aromatics; hints of spice, savouriness and a whisper of florality, opening up with time in glass to include notes of richer black cherry and mulberries. Ageing in concrete and old oak foudres for 12 months gives fine tannins and a silkiness to the mouthfeel. Incredible depth of spicy cassis fruit, with a base note of dry earthiness and ground black spices. Layers unfurl as the palate opens up: ripe plum, velvety mulberry and raspberry notes, a touch of pomegranate, underpinned by fresh acidity. Poised, with a long, lingering finish. Drinking Window 2021-2031.

Julie Sheppard, September 2021

The 2016 José Zuccardi was produced with grapes (90% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) from Altamira and Gualtallary in the Valle de Uco. This is the continuation of the old Z bottling, but here the wine is aged mostly in 2,500-liter oak vats rather than in smaller barriques. There are herbal notes reminiscent of green tea leaves, spices and berries. The palate is serious and has chalky tannins, as they select grapes from places in the Valle de Uco that have limestone soils. It seems like they have found the way ahead for this wine in 2016; it's fine, precise and elegant. 40,000 bottles were filled in August 2018. Drink Date 2019-2026.

Luis Gutiérrez, October 2019