Zuccardi Malbec Aluvional Paraje Altamira 2019

97 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The 2019 Aluvional Paraje Altamira comes from the south of Altamira or "new Altamira" (Altamira is not yet divided, but they have ideas...), and they used 80% to 100% full clusters and stems—one of the highest, because there's a lot of limestone. But this wine is always foot trodden because they want to avoid carbonic maceration, or sometimes they destem the grapes and add the stems back in a kind of lasagna, with layers. It matured exclusively in their raw concrete vats. The wine is serious, with an austere nose and some serious fruit (it's slightly lower in alcohol than the other two). It's very chalky and has very fine tannins and a texture that can be reminiscent of a Barolo, with some flowers emerging after some time in the glass. 8,200 bottles were filled in June 2020. Drink 2023-2032. (11/30/22)"

96 points Tim Atkin, MW: "You’d be pushed to find a purer expression of Malbec on limestone soils than this unwooded Paraje Altamira red from the brilliant Sebastián Zuccardi. Grippy, dense and chiselled, with subtle reduction, layered tannins, enticing bramble, black olive and blackberry flavours and a long, energetic finish. 2024-2032. (2022)"

96 points Patricio Tapia (Descorchados): "From vineyards planted in 2009 on the alluvial and calcareous soils of the terraces of the Tunuyán River in Altamira, beside the Piedra Infinita winery in the Uco Valley, just over 1,100 meters up. In a cool year like 2019, this wine shines in the intensity of its red fruits and herbal and especially floral tones. The layer of tannins is firm and sharp, and the sensation of that texture turning into chalk is very strong, especially on the finish. One of the best versions of this Aluvional in one of the best years of the decade, if not the best. (Jan 2022)"

96 points James Suckling: "Deep blackberries, blueberries, flint and minerals, white pepper and some meaty spices. Some dried lavender, too. This is a full-bodied red, tightly wound by a mouthful of chalky tannins. But the texture of the tannins really make it taste lighter and more linear. Focused, salty and long, but never trying to flatter, just like the rest of Zuccardi’s wines. Impressive. Drinkable now, but better after 2023. (5/22/22)"

95 points Joaquín Hidalgo (Vinous): "The 2019 Malbec Aluvional Paraje Altamira from the Uco Valley changed its label this year and was a third aged in foudres. Purple in the glass. The vividly bold aromatic profile offers notes of thyme and violet over sweet and sour cherry. Creamy in feel initially, it grows more compact as the flow gains in vigor, delivering juicy intensity and a chalky sensation that eventually takes over. Will improve in the bottle. The 2019 is a wine that reveals how comfortable its maker is in Paraje Altamira. Drink: 2024-2039. (Sep 2022)"

95 points Wine Enthusiast: "[$93 list] Limestone soils are typical of Paraje Altamira, where distinctive, vibrant wines are born. This Malbec shows the essence of this place in Uco Valley, with a floral nose that includes ripe berries and a fresh palate backed by finely-grained tannins. Strawberries, blackberries, mulberries, dried flowers and crushed black pepper give a sense of ripeness and depth. Drink now–2035. (Jul 2024)"