Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
This shows a crazy minerality with licoirce, blueberry and spice. Full and intense. A stunning wine.
Range: 95-96 -
Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary is sourced from vineyards planted at 1,300 meters altitude in Gualtallary, the highest part of Tupungato in the Uco Valley, where the soils are eminently chalky and the wines are pure, fresh and supple, like this example. The wine fermented in small stainless steel vats and matured in 3,500-liter French oak foudres for some 18 months, which seems to be the new standard for élevage at Las Hormigas. The nose delivers what the appellation and vintage should be: an elegant, fresh, fruit- and soil-driven red, with a medium body. However, the palate is surprisingly dry, with earthy tannins that kind of flattens the otherwise serious and balanced palate
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.