The 2004 Q Malbec was aged for 12 months in new French oak. Inky purple-colored, it offers up aromas of pain grille, pepper, pencil lead, black cherry, and blueberry. Elegantly styled, this medium-bodied wine has a smooth texture, excellent grip, enough well-concealed tannin to support several years of bottle age, and a long, pure finish. It should drink well through 2020. All of Zuccardi's Q Series wines are very good values.Familia Zuccardi is a family owned winery started in 1963 when they planted the first vineyard in Maipu, then a desert region, followed in 1973 by a second vineyard in Santa Rosa, another desert. Familia Zuccardi has also been a pioneer in the introduction of non-indigenous varieties into Argentina. These are bottled under the Textual label.Importer: Adam Sager, Winesellers Ltd., Skokie, IL; www.familiazuccardi.com

Overt oak is the first thing you encounter on the nose, but underneath the heavy wood covering is a polished and sincere wine. The mouth is lively and juicy, with commendable plum and raspberry flavors. And while the finish is sort of basic in its vanilla and chocolate character, it has a nice feel to it. A wine with virtues but maybe a touch too much new oak.——M.S.(8/1/2007)—— 88