Explosively fruity aromas and flavors of blackberry, dark cherry and plum tart are creamy and filled with rich savory and cooking spice accents. Powerfully structured, showing dark chocolate and mocha on the finish, with hints of dried mint. Drink now through 2025.

The 2016 José Zuccardi was produced with grapes (90% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon) from Altamira and Gualtallary in the Valle de Uco. This is the continuation of the old Z bottling, but here the wine is aged mostly in 2,500-liter oak vats rather than in smaller barriques. There are herbal notes reminiscent of green tea leaves, spices and berries. The palate is serious and has chalky tannins, as they select grapes from places in the Valle de Uco that have limestone soils. It seems like they have found the way ahead for this wine in 2016; it's fine, precise and elegant.