Winemaker Notes
Altamira vineyard was planted in 1950 at the foothill of the Andes just below the Tunuyán River, Altamira is mountain with extreme weather. The growing conditions are so challenging and the soil profile so unique, that the tipicity or this Malbec goes beyond its normal descriptors. Orange peel and balsamic flavors combine harmoniously the violets and red fruit notes typical from Malbec. Mineral notes and sharp acidity give this wine a character of its own.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Sweet spices and blueberries, blackberries and blue flowers with hints of chocolate and deep, tangy oyster-shell minerality. The tannin is tight but extremely fine-grained with dense, concentrated fruit. Yet, it doesn’t feel heavy. There’s a fine, saline smack to the finish, too.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The impressive 2019 Malbec Finca Altamira has finesse and intensity and the expression of this vineyard by the Tunuyán River. It has mineral expression, citrus freshness and the mid-palate complexity that has made Altamira famous. They have shortened the time in barrel to 13 months, so they respect more the personality of the wine with more careful oaking. This is both powerful and elegant, perfumed, complex and serious with a very balanced palate and elegant and fine tannins that make it fine boned, like the best vintages of this wine.
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.