Winemaker Notes
A deep ruby red color. Lucid aromas of sweet figs and prunes, as well as cherry compote. Very generous fruit in the middle with firm, lightly chewy tannin and moderate length.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Blackberry, currant, violet, tobacco, dark-chocolate and walnut-husk aromas. Sweet figs, too. It’s medium-to full-bodied with firm, rounded tannins. Rich and polished with creamy layers. Intense.
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Wilfred Wong of Wine.com
COMMENTARY: The 2019 Altocedro Old Vine Malbec is layered and slightly elevated on the palate. TASTING NOTES: This wine shines with aromas and flavors of savory spices, sandalwood, dried earthy notes, minerality, blackberries, and chalkiness. Enjoy it with grilled Argentine beef with chimichurri sauce. (Tasted: January 17, 2023, San Francisco, CA)
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2019 Reserva Old Vine Malbec comes from old vines averaging 58 years of age. It's traditional, expressive and aromatic, with generous spice and smoke plus an herbal twist in the finish. It's medium to full-bodied with grainy tannins and a serious finish. It should develop very nicely in bottle.
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.