Winemaker Notes
The wines generally show excellent aromatic complexity and great juiciness, texture and structure in the mouth.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
I love the mineral austerity here with racy cherries, wet stones, some sweet blueberries and graphite. The firm tannins are so powdery and mineral and melt into the palate. A remarkable expression of the warm 2020 vintage from Paraje Altamira. Drink or hold.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
I am very impressed with the wines from 2020, especially given that it is a much more challenging vintage—very warm and with high ripeness that had to be controlled. The 2020 Aluvional Paraje Altamira is a little juicier and fuller than the 2019, but the character of blood, iron and raw meat is more acute here. Both vintages have similar levels of alcohol (14%) and acidity, but the mouthfeel is quite different; 2020 is gentler and more tender with a silky texture.
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Wine Spectator
Shows fresh cherry and plum flavors on a creamy frame, with chaparral, fresh herb and dried violet details folding in. Reveals chalky, mineral twinges on the finish around fine tannins, with hints of dark chocolate. Drink now through 2030.
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.