Zuccardi Tito Red Blend Uco Valley 2017

93+ points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "The 2017 Tito Zuccardi is a co-fermentation of 80% Malbec and 15% Cabernet Franc, a blend that changes with the vintage, but the fruit is always from Altamira. It's a tasty expression of Altamira, with the chalky tannins and structure of the Cabernet Franc and the floral qualities of Malbec. They had never done this kind of blend before, and it feels like it works very nicely. This could be the finest Tito to date, despite the higher ripeness of the year. 25,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in December 2017. Drink: 2019-2024. (Oct 2019)"

93 points James Suckling: "This co-fermented red shows lots of blackberry, black-olive and blueberry character with medium body, firm and juicy tannins and a flavorful finish. Cool chewiness to this. Malbec and cabernet sauvignon with a hint of ancellotta. Drink now. (3/27/19)"

92 points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): "Saturated ruby. Pungent, wild scents of blackberry, violet, licorice pastille, medicinal herbs, pepper and spices, plus a sexy, almost gamey hint of reduction from the concrete. Bright and clearly delineated but also quite seamless, combining serious breadth and a light touch. The wine's raspberry and spice flavors are complicated and energized by a stemmy wildness as well as a savory limestone quality. Offers terrific flavor intensity without weight and spreads out impressively to saturate the mouth. The dusty, fine-grained, building tannins saturate the front teeth and incisors on the rising, resounding finish. The wine's sexy sweetness makes it accessible today but it should also last well. The best Tito to date (Tito was Sebastián Zuccardi's grandfather, and the founder of the winery in 1963). Note that this 2017 represents a new blend for this wine, with Cabernet Franc taking the place of the Cabernet Sauvignon (and Ancellotta) in the '16. (14.3% alcohol; made with whole clusters and co-fermented in concrete). Drink: 2020-2027. (Sep 2019)"

Producer notes: "85% Malbec, 15% Cabernet Franc. Color: Violet color with deep blue hues. Aroma: Black and red fruit and other herbal notes. Flavor: The palate has a silky entry with nice and juicy tannins, aromatic and receiving end of a long and deep mouth complexity."