MISSION NOTES: One of the highest-rated and most talked-about Malbecs we’ve ever tasted at Mission and one of the most complex by far. Instantly accessible to those who casually enjoy red wine, but layered with depth for those who take it more seriously. You can drink this with wine lovers of all experience levels and they’re going to love it. Malbec is often passed over as a simple varietal, but the 2018 Zuccardi is on another level. The richness and weight should please California lovers, but the cool nights and long growing season packed this wine full of intensity and spice. This is a no-brainer gift bottle for just about anyone you know.
98 POINTS: ROBERT PARKER’S WINE ADVOCATE - The intense and high-pitched 2018 Aluvional Gualtallary has finesse, which is the challenge in this very wild zone of the Valle de Uco. This is a powerful zone because of the light and the cold nights, which make it difficult to achieve elegance in the wines, but they have worked in this direction. As with other 2018s, the aromas and flavors are fully developed, so there's more complexity, nuance and depth than in the 2017s, which ripened faster and earlier. A superb mineral Gualtallary with contained ripeness and wildness. Drink: 2022-2030
96 POINTS: VINOUS - Zuccardi’s 2018 Malbec Aluvional (Gualtallary) from the Uco Valley was 30% aged in French oak for 12 months. A dark, vivid purple in color. The compact nose offers ripe fruit such as plum and sour cherry along with hints of jarilla and mint over an oaky backdrop. The terroir and vintage give the 2018 an almost liqueur-like tone. Juicy and potent on the palate with plenty of rich alcohol and good volume. The body increases in heft while maintaining its firm structure. The finish is pure fruit, achieving excellent balance between energy and depth. Drink: 2023-2038.
96 POINTS: JAMES SUCKLING - Blueberries, blackberries, violets and some stones on the nose. Orange peel, as well. It’s full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and a linear, refined finish. So gorgeous and long now, but better after 2023.
