Deep Cover: 98 POINT MALBEC!! Next level, stack the scores…dropping for a whoopsy-whiffling good price.

“Zuccardi keeps going from strength to strength… one of the top names from Argentine wine.” – Wine Advocate

Yes, 98 points Wine Advocate plus TRIPLE the 96 ratings. One helluva wine for $65.

And with just a handful of cases to share, only our savviest (and quickest) Malbec buyers will get a shot at it.

This is what we expect from Familia Zuccardi. Named “New World Winery of the Year by Wine Enthusiast in 2022, they are in a league of their own.

Vinous explains “Zuccardi’s journey is a summation of the contemporary Argentine wine scene. Today, the estate makes some of the most interesting reds… The Zuccardis were also champions of new soil-focused approaches, of which their parcel wines are excellent examples. Between 2008 and 2022 they created an extremely distinguished technical team whose creativity is matched by their execution. During that period the first Zuccardi Aluvional appeared… a paradigm that represents the new Argentina; one that pushes the boundaries with well-defined concepts and tangible results.”

And they’re OBSESSED with terroir.

According to the winery, Aluvional is “a selection of the best soils of alluvial origin in the Uco Valley, in Mendoza. The particularities of each plot are made known through the variety that best represents the region: Malbec. The erosive force of these alluviums; generated by melting glaciers and descending water, ice, and rocks with brutal force can be seen in soils with the presence of rocks of great magnitude; rounded edges, and great heterogeneity. In the elaboration of Zuccardi Aluvional, the aim is to highlight the uniqueness and typicity of each terroir.”

This obsession comes through in the wine loud and clear. It’s dark, brooding, and delivers a flavor-savory GOLLUP of fruit! Draped floor to ceiling in a rich gradient of black and blues. Blueberries, blackberries, and ripe plums. Black pepper, wet stones, and fresh cedar. Gorgeous violet notes too. Seamless, long, and intellectually satisfying, and if you’re lucky to get one please share with others. Or just keep it for yourself. Your call!

Just make sure you get some first. Near-perfect Malbec at this price is not a common sight…

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 – Antonio Galloni’s 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 – Tim Atkin, MW

“My pick of the three current Aluvional releases, this thrilling Malbec comes from a vineyard in the high part of Gualtallary, planted in 2009. Wild, intense and complex, with aromas of thyme and laurel, tangy, crunchy, blackberry fruit, racy acidity and chalky precision. Drink 2023-2033.”

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.”