A little closed and in need of air, the 2016 Concreto Malbec was produced from an unusual, cool and rainy year and is a very particular and austere expression of Malbec from Altamira. It's simply unbelievable how nuanced and insinuating this wine is, with austerity but unfurling layers and layers as the wine sits in the glass, with tons of aromatic herbs reminiscent of the landscape and the smell of the countryside where the plants grow. It has a linear and symmetrical palate with precision and purity. This is worth more than it costs! RP
The wild nose of the new 2014 Concreto Malbec transported me to the Northern Rhône (Côte-Rôtie), or even better the Valais mountains in Switzerland. It is fermented and matured in concrete vats, hence its name. The grapes come from a very calcareous soil in Altamira in the Uco Valley. The nose mixes the violet aromas and those wild herbs, rockrose and spices, but also a saline side, and a mix of black olives and smoke. Raspberry leaf perhaps? There is a different character, they have taken away all that gives sweetness to the wine, searched for chalky soils, used part of full clusters and only cement was used for the fermentation and élevage. The wine is dry, but the tannins are sweet. There is very good length and persistence here. A naked Malbec. I believe this wine might have a beautiful evolution in bottle and it would be even better in a fresh vintage. Groundbreaking Malbec! An awesome value for money too! RP
$ 550
Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2020
RP
94₊
JS
95
Lots of purple fruit with blackberry and blueberry aromas, as well as cement and stone. Floral undertones, such as poppies. Medium to full body with firm tannins and a savory finish. Hints of dried, clove-like spice. No wood here. JS
$ 330
Zuccardi Concreto Malbec 2022
RP
94
JS
95
What a perfumed nose with plenty of violets, iodine, blueberries and mineral. Lots of sappy fruit with fine-grained tannins that tightly wrap the full-bodied palate. Pristine, concentrated and quintessential. A selection of the stoniest soils from Paraje Altamira. 100% whole-bunch fermentation. JS