Winemaker Notes
Paraje Altamira Malbec shows as much complexity, concentration, and texture as this appellation can deliver; without resigning drinkability nor grace. It has a deep ruby red color with soft violet hues. The nose is intense and elegant, with aromas of black fruits, cassis and plums, as well as herbal aromas, mainly eucalyptus. Subtle notes of chalk and orange peel begin to show as the wine opens in the glass. The attack is impressive; it is juicy, fresh and vertical in the palate. It has great texture, notes of chalk and a long and velvety finish that leaves you with a watering mouth and a smile on your face.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Very spicy on the nose with nutmeg, cinnamon and other spices plus black fruit. Full and powerful with intense velvety tannins that give a chewy sense to the wine and so much length and energy. It goes on for minutes.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2020 Malbec Appellation Altamira was produced with 100% organic grapes from their Jardín Altamira property at 1,200 meters in altitude. This is the first vintage from the new plantings, and the wine doesn't show it; it has depth and complexity, showing how the place is often more important than the age of the vines. It fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and 30% full clusters and matured 50% in concrete and the other 50% in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for 20 months. It has 13.5% alcohol, and even in a warm and dry year like 2020, this Altamira comes through as very balanced and fresh, with notes of aromatic herbs, expressive and open. It has a serious palate, balanced, medium-bodied and dry, with a chalky texture and the seriousness from the cooler years. It seems to transcend the vintage.
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.
With a winning combination of cool weather, high elevation and well-draining alluvial soils, it is no surprise that Mendoza’s Uco Valley is one of the most exciting up-and-coming wine regions in Argentina. Healthy, easy-to-manage vines produce low yields of high-quality fruit, which in turn create flavorful, full-bodied wines with generous acidity.
This is the source of some of the best Malbec in Mendoza, which can range from value-priced to ultra-premium. Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay also perform well here.