Zuccardi Finca Los Membrillos 2018

Zuccardi is among Mendoza's most influential families, and Finca Los Membrillos is a single estate in the high Uco Valley, named for the quince trees that line its plots. The vineyards sit at altitude in the Andean foothills, on the stony, alluvial and limestone-influenced soils that mark the valley's best sites. The thin, free-draining ground and the very wide diurnal swing between intense daytime sun and cold mountain nights slow ripening, fix deep colour and aromatic detail, and hold the firm acidity that keeps this Cabernet fresh. The 2018 was a cool vintage, which shows in the wine's restraint. It is aged in concrete rather than oak, a method that allows slow micro-oxygenation through the porous walls to settle the tannin while adding no wood flavour, so the fruit and the site speak clearly. The wine is deep ruby, with blackcurrant, plum and cherry over black pepper, dried herbs, tobacco and a savoury, earthy note. The palate is full bodied and structured, with firm but ripe tannin, fresh acidity and a long, mineral finish. Decant and serve at 17 to 18C with grilled and roast red meat.