Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/551222
76 / the tasting panel / august 2015 Argentine Powerhouse: Familia Zuccardi IN THE LAST YEAR, HIGH-PROFILE ARGENTINE PRODUCER Familia Zuccardi broke ground and commenced construction of a new state-of- the art-winery at their Altamira vineyard site in Mendoza's Uco Valley. They were able to complete the first crush for the 2014 harvest while the winery was still being built. This facility will keep Zuccardi among the most progressive Argentine producers, and the wines are better than ever. I sat down recently with Jose Zuccardi to taste through some current releases. 87 Trivento 2013 Torrontès Reserve, Mendoza, Argentina ($11) Fresh and aromatic with floral and spice notes; smooth, silky and long. EXCELSIOR WINES (BANFI) 90 Sea Pearl 2014 Sauvignon Blanc, Marlborough, New Zealand ($12) Keen, edgy citrus and fresh acidity; pure, fresh and racy with lift and lots of charm. WINESELLERS LTD. 88 Three Rivers Winery 2014 Steel Chardonnay, Columbia Valley ($14) Bright and clean with juicy acidity and crisp citrus; minerally, tangy and long with balance and style. FOLEY FAMILY WINES 88 Concha y Toro 2013 Casillero del Diablo Malbec Reserva, Rapel Valley, Chile ($12) Tangy blackberry and plum with nice spice notes, tangy acidity and a long finish. EXCELSIOR WINES (BANFI) 88 Tormentoso 2013 Touriga Nacional, Stellenbosch,South Africa ($13) Dense plum and blackberry fruit; lush and long with notes of oak and spice; long and stylish. VINEYARD BRANDS 88 Josh Cellars 2013 Zinfandel, Lodi ($16) Spicy nose; concentrated plum and blackberry highlighted by spice; rich and deep with balance and intensity. DEUTSCH FAMILY WINE & SPIRITS 88 Jewelry Box 2013 Cabernet Sauvignon, Central Coast ($28/3L) A handsomely packaged box wine with silky texture, fresh plum and good balance. THE WINE GROUP BLUE REVIEWS 90 Familia Zuccardi 2013 Q Malbec, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina ($20) Dark, rich color ; fresh, juicy blackberry predominates; nice balance and length. 89 Familia Zuccardi 2012 Q Cabernet Sauvignon, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina ($20) Silky and loaded with plum, spice and earth; long, balanced finish. 91 Familia Zuccardi 2012 Tito Zuccardi, Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina ($35) An unusual blend dedicated to Alberto "Tito" Zuccardi, who planted the first vineyards of the family; ripe plum, blackberry and cassis; rich and balanced with soft texture and nice length. 66% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Ancellotta, 10% Caladoc. 90 Familia Zuccardi 2013 Emma Bonarda, Mendoza , Argentina ($40) Another wine dedicated to the family's founding generation; spicy, juicy and well-balanced; tangy and crisp, long and vibrant. 91 Familia Zuccardi 2011 Zeta, Mendoza, Argentina ($45) Lush, deep and rich with blackberry, cassis and spice; smooth and balanced; racy, clean and vibrant. 87% Malbec, 13% Cabernet Sauvignon. 93 Familia Zuccardi 2011 Aluvional, Paraje Altamira, Mendoza, Argentina ($88) The Aluvional tier Malbecs express the terroirs of various alluvial soils; vanilla-laced oak and ripe blackberry; rich, deep and showing minerals and earth, spice and finesse. 94 Familia Zuccardi 2011 Cabernet Sauvignon, Finca Los Membrillos, Mendoza, Argentina ($120) Luscious, ripe plum flavors with spice and lovely notes of earth, vanilla and minerals; elegant and velvety-textured but juicy and bursting with fresh fruit. Familia Zuccardi wines are imported by Winesellers Ltd.