Winemaker Notes
This Malbec has an intense violet color, lush flavors and outstanding notes of plums, blackberries and raspberries. 12 months aging in oak barrels adds complexity and completes this beautiful "tapestry".
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2015 Alta Collection Malbec was sourced from young vines in San Pablo, a cooler place in the Valle de Uco, at some 1,350 meters above sea level. It fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and matured in new and second use French oak barrels for 12 months. It's quite ripe, with notes of plums, dark fruit and bittersweet flavors reminiscent of Morello cherries, and there's a spicy and smoky twist on the finish. 84,000 bottles produced.
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.