2021 was a relatively cool year in most of Argentina's wine regions. A rainy summer, particularly in February, delayed ripening, and heavy cloud cover slowed the initial pace of maturation. As a result, acidity was well preserved. However, thanks to a dry fall with warm, sunny weather, the ripening of red grape varieties accelerated, and rain was not a factor during the Malbec harvest. Yields were average or slightly below average.
Produced under these seasonal conditions, Malbec recorded an alcohol content of 14%, total acidity of 5.65 g/l, and residual sugar of 1.8 g/l. Beyond the numerical aspects, this wine is perceived as one grounded in tension rather than volume.
Robert Parker (99)
A stunning view into the bones of Piedra Infinita, the 2021 Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal comes from a .93-hectare plot filled with alluvial stones covered in calcium carbonate. It was fermented with whole clusters in unlined concrete tanks and underwent a 12-month élevage. It opens with a transparent, morphing and agile bouquet of dried flowers and crushed stones, presenting an overall brighter profile than the Gravascal and Piedra Infinta bottlings. The palate features a racy, sleek and lifted texture, offering the most bracing and linear focus of the Zuccardi lineup without sacrificing three-dimensionality. It concludes with a searingly stony finish with a snappy attack that surges with additional minerality while remaining remarkably complete despite its angular nature. While the other two Piedra Infinita bottlings are richer and more seductive in texture, the Supercal stands out for its striking minimalism and pristine, dexterous profile.
James Suckling (98)
A powerhouse of malbec here even on the nose. Incredible freshness from a wine of this level of depth. Minerals, crushed stone, tile, wild herbs and lots of fresh blackberries and blueberries. Muscular, full-bodied, but the tannins are fully dissolved. Long and intellectual. Drink or hold.
Jancis Robinson (17)
Full bottle a shocking 1,733 g but they have designed their own much lighter bottle to be used from 2023/24. From a small plot of 0.93 ha in the north-west sector of the vineyard.vineyard at 1,100 m with an alluvial base on which is calcium bicarbonate and many big rocks. Spontaneous fermentation and ageing in concrete.
Very deep blackish crimson. Very mellow nose and a more mellow, riper, more accessible palate than its Gravascal stablemate. Thoogh there is a certain stoniness on the finish. Another ambitious wine made for cellaring though. (JR)
Vinous (96)
The 2021 Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal, from Paraje Altamira, takes its name from the high chalk content of the plot where these grapes were harvested during the cool 2021 vintage—a clear expression of its terroir. Aged in concrete vats, this deep purple wine bursts with aromas of freshly crushed plums, blueberries and wild herbs, accented by a touch of violet. On the palate, it’s sharp and focused, with a distinct texture and electric acidity, delivering vibrant energy and a subtle hint of orange zest on the finish. While undeniably impressive for connoisseurs, it can feel a bit intense, pushed up by the cool vintage.
Tim Atkin (100)
