José Zuccardi

The concept of the 2017 José Zuccardi has been varying through the years. It comes from a wine called Zuccardi Z, and it's a pure Malbec from different regions in the Valle de Uco (today, Altamira and Gualtallary) with limestone soils. It has a touch of Cabernet Sauvignon (only 5% to 10%), which is not mentioned on the label, and is now matured in foudre for two years. The blend and long aging are consistent with the more traditional practices. This time I noticed the minty and balsamic notes from the Cabernet, a hint of camphor, perhaps from the conditions of the vintage and the élevage. It's medium to full-bodied with fine-grained tannins and a remarkable finish where the chalky texture is more noticeable. 43,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in August 2019.

Some real freshness on the nose, but it's also a bit sour on the end. Taken to an extreme perhaps? Shows what can be done rather than what the consumer might find most delicious? Concrete and limestone combo a bit stonily demanding. Although 24 hours later from an open bottle it was much more welcoming with the fruit more in evidence.