Winemaker Notes
Passion, persistence and ruthless determination led Donald Hess to plant one of the most elevated vineyards in the world at 3111masl (10200ft) in Salta, Argentina. Their icon wine is the highest expression of a Malbec grown in extreme terroir.
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Sourced from vines just 10 years old, planted at 3,111 meters in altitude and aged for 18 months in neutral barrique, the 2019 Altura Máxima Malbec opens with a beautifully intense, inky, herbal and coiled nose. The palate echoes with an incredibly dense, compact, concentrated mouthfeel with a bracing core buttressed with pure mineral tension. It concludes with a long, layered and subtly woody finish that lingers with additional mineral-driven nuances and balsamic flourishes. This is a superb expression from one of the highest-elevation vineyards on the planet.
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James Suckling
Lots of depth here, with blackberries, asphalt, wet-stone minerality and savory, roasted spice. A concentrated, brooding red with lots of ripeness, but still juicy. Wrapped by powdery and dusty tannins. If it weren’t for the hint of warmth at the end, this would have rated higher. Has potential, though. Better after 2024.
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Wine Spectator
A bold version, but with acidity enlivening the palate, built around cherry paste and licorice flavors. Twinges of orange peel, fresh tobacco and bay leaf swirl in. Finishes with a pleasant chew to the tannins. Good length. Drink now through 2036.
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Vinous
A Pinot Noir from the Altura Máxima vineyard, grown at 3,100 meters above sea level, the 2019 Lote Especial Altura Maxima was 1/3rd fermented with whole bunches and aged for 12 months in French barrels. A light cherry in the glass, the gentle nose delivers strawberry notes over hints of oak and earth as well as a touch of orange zest. The delicate palate has just the right degree of freshness while the unintrusive tannins lend texture. A Burgundy infused Pinot from a high altitude desert.
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.
The Salta region in northern Argentina is home to world’s highest vineyards. Near the town of Payogasta, the Colomé Altura Máxima vineyard is planted at 10,206 feet in elevation.
Salta is part of the Calchaquí Valley, which benefits from more than 300 days of sun per year, subjecting its vines to considerable ultraviolet radiation. The valley experiences strong high altitude winds, even in the “lower” vineyards, which are planted at 5,413 feet. Because of these elevations and resulting extreme conditions, vines produce lower yields and thicker-skinned grapes, resulting in concentrated, aromatic and well-structured wines.
In a truly unique region, the highly aromatic variety, Torrontes, thrives; intense sun exposure allows full ripening, while cooling winds maintain the grapes’ acidity levels and phenolic balance.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, and, particularly, Tannat have the most potential among reds.
Upscale hotels, beautiful colonial architecture, a majestic Andean backdrop and impressive food and wine make the area attractive among tourists as well.
Salta is the fourth most important Argentine wine-producing region after Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja. Its oldest vineyards were planted in 1862.