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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Vinous
The 2020 Malbec Altura Máxima comes from vines planted at 3,100 meters in Payogasta, Calchaquí Valley. This red sits on the edge of herbal and floral, with poleo and mountain herbs, pink grapefruit and a faint touch of oak before turning darker. Slim, grippy tannins and a juicy flow come through, with ripeness balanced by high freshness. A distinctive expression of the valley.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Always the producer’s top wine, from the highest vines grown at 10,200-feet elevation in calcareous soils, the excellently brooding, full-bodied 2020 Malbec Altura Maxima is dark and inky in color, with high-toned floral red fruit. Mouthcoating tannins beg for more time in the bottle, with the vibrant acidity also winding its way through the complex fruit and oak. Only 24 barrels were made. This is a beautiful wine that needs more time; hold and drink 2030-2038.
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James Suckling
Some nicely baked cherries with hibiscus, graphite, dried herbs, hot stones, grilled tarragon and savory spices. Complex and juicy on the palate with dense, chalky tannins that melt into the long, succulent and super delicious finish. The tannins are so chalky yet firm and close-knit. Drink now or hold.
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.