Winemaker Notes
Very aromatic, fresh and vibrant with red fruits and herb notes. Rich and juicy across the palate with mineral notes and a long finish.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A really juicy, elegant and fine malbec here with plenty of chalky, dusty tannins. A mixture of racy red and blue fruit such as currants and blueberries, hibiscus and crushed stones. Medium to full body with juicy red fruit on the mid-palate that follows through to a long and nervy, bright finish. Real tension here. Drink or hold.
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Vinous
The 2021 Malbec Single Block Altamira originates from the Uco Valley and was aged for sixteen months in 5000-liter French oak barrels and 3000-liter concrete eggs. Dark purple in the glass. The nose offers notes of violet and sage accompanied by crushed plum and blackberry. The palate has an indulgent, chalky texture with a muscular, well-structured flow balanced by a juicy, tart mouthfeel. The 2021 is a truly vibrant red.
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Wine Spectator
Leads with mountain herbs, with nice vibrancy and details of fresh violet and blueberry rounding out the core, while hints of cardamom add to pleasant chalky mineral details around fine tannins.
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.