Winemaker Notes
Dark medium ruby. Blackberry, black plum, violet, cassis and a touch of leather on the nose. Silky on the palate, fresh acidity and refined tannins. Marked layers of espresso with a long floral very expressive finish.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The nose of the 2015 Malbec Finca Altamira is full of aromas of blood orange and bittersweet cherries, and the palate reveals dusty, slightly grainy tannins and a very pleasant mouthfeel, with balanced acidity. It has some rusticity I had not seen in previous years. There is power and freshness. 12,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in October 2016.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
By far the largest and best-known winemaking province in Argentina, Mendoza is responsible for over 70% of the country’s enological output. Set in the eastern foothills of the Andes Mountains, the climate is dry and continental, presenting relatively few challenges for viticulturists during the growing season. Mendoza, divided into several distinctive sub-regions, including Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley, is the source of some of the country’s finest wines.
For many wine lovers, Mendoza is practically synonymous with Malbec. Originally a Bordelaise variety brought to Argentina by the French in the mid-1800s, here it found success and renown that it never knew in its homeland where a finicky climate gives mixed results. Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Merlot and Pinot Noir are all widely planted here as well (and sometimes even blended with each other or Malbec). Mendoza's main white varieties include Chardonnay, Torrontés, Sauvignon Blanc and Sémillon.