2016 Zuccardi José Zuccardi Malbec Valle de Uco Mendoza Argentina 750 ml

Wine Advocate said Zuccardi’s 2016 releases could mark their “finest vintage to date.” That’s big-time praise, considering the estate constantly racks up top accolades from major critics.

And the 2016 José Zuccardi Malbec followed up on that legacy by earning a spot on Wine Spectator’s Top 100 list.

This bottle has pour-me-another power and silky refinement, showing off terroir-transparent luxury—for a third of the price of its peers. The other 2016 Malbecs that match the José Zuccardi’s score from Wine Spectator will cost you triple-digits: Matervini Piedras Viejas, Bodega Noemía, Achaval Ferrer Bella Vista, and Catena Zapata.

Among all the label’s exceptional bottlings, this is the one Sébastian Zuccardi chose to honor his father, José—and what an honor it is. Even though the winery has become a household name for Wine Access members, we rarely get the chance to offer Zuccardi’s top wines, so this is a rare opportunity to taste this master of Malbec’s finest work.

This wine contains 95% Malbec sourced from Paraje Altamira, a region that Zuccardi has tapped for some of his most widely celebrated wines. From vineyards perched 3,608 feet above sea level, the vines bask in abundant sunlight, developing bold fruit flavors, concentration, and balance while gaining texture and structure. The last 5% is Cabernet Sauvignon from Gualtallary, contributing additional depth and mouthfeel. 

Living up to his playful “cement head” nickname, Sébastian fermented this Malbec in concrete before giving it two full years to rest in foudres, knitting together its array of aromas and intricate dark-fruit flavors. 

With the several-year hot streak Zuccardi has been on, we’re amazed that we can keep offering deals like this for some of Argentina’s best Malbecs.