The 2019 Familia Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco Malbec from the Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, is a wine that has garnered significant acclaim from several prominent reviewers. This Malbec, produced by Familia Zuccardi, is characterized by its high-altitude origins and unique terroir.
Decanter describes it as having a "beautifully fragrant nose" with "ripe blackcurrant fruits and soft floral touches." The wine is noted for its "chalky and salty tannins" and a "clarity and definition" that is compelling, giving it a score of 94 points. Decanter also highlights its aging process in concrete tanks, which means the wine sees no oak, contributing to its fresh and mineral finish.
James Suckling is particularly impressed, awarding it an outstanding 98 points. He praises its "complexity and depth" with a variety of aromas including "blackberries and blueberries to graphite, tree bark and wet earth." Suckling notes that it is "medium-to full-bodied" with "fleshy fruit and powerful, chalky tannins," yet maintains impeccable poise. He suggests it is suitable for drinking now or could be laid down for up to two decades.
Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate gives the wine 96+ points, noting its origins from a vineyard planted 12 years ago, previously used for apple trees. The review highlights the wine’s blend, fermented with some stems and aged in raw concrete. The wine is described as medium to full-bodied, with "good ripeness and the house style of seriousness, balance and elegance." The review mentions that 11,900 bottles were filled in June 2020.
Vinous rates this Malbec at 97 points, describing it as "intense purple in hue" with a nose that evolves in the glass to reveal notes of "cherry, plum, thyme, and hints of bay leaf, violet, lavender, and other herbs." The wine is noted for its "fine-grained tannins" and "crisp, juicy freshness," presenting a raw and unfiltered expression of the terroir.
Wine Spectator also provides a favorable review, giving it 93 points. They highlight its "beautifully aromatic" profile with "blood orange and perfumed plum aromas" and a "creamy and velvety palate." The review mentions a core of "lively plum and Rainer cherry" with "firming tannins and a hint of verbena and chalky minerality," suggesting it is best enjoyed now through 2032.
Overall, the 2019 Familia Zuccardi Finca Canal Uco Malbec is highly praised for its complexity, depth, and the unique characteristics derived from its terroir and winemaking process.