Altos Las Hormigas
Gualtallary Malbec
Mendoza, Cuyo, Argentina
Bright medium ruby. Musky dark berries, molten chocolate, leather, meat and espresso on the nose, lifted by a touch of violet florality; this struck me as a bit like Syrah from the northern Rhône. Very suave, fine-grained, dry wine with insidious intensity and nuance--not to mention lift--to its dark fruit and mineral flavors. Classically dry in an Old World style, showing a sexy mocha reduction today and no excess weight. Finishes with horizontal, fine-grained tannins and outstanding length. This is not quite as tightly wound as the 2013 version last year, but no complaints here! Finishes with dusty tannins and chalky suggestions. Not thick or fleshy wine, just a superb Malbec of terroir. In fact, I wonder if I'm underrating it. This wonderfully concentrated, layered wine finishes extremely long, with fine-grained tannins. (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, Jul 2017)
Bright medium ruby. Musky dark berries, molten chocolate, leather, meat and espresso on the nose, lifted by a touch of violet florality; this struck me as a bit like Syrah from the northern Rhône. Very suave, fine-grained, dry wine with insidious intensity and nuance--not to mention lift--to its dark fruit and mineral flavors. Classically dry in an Old World style, showing a sexy mocha reduction today and no excess weight. Finishes with horizontal, fine-grained tannins and outstanding length. This is not quite as tightly wound as the 2013 version last year, but no complaints here! Finishes with dusty tannins and chalky suggestions. Not thick or fleshy wine, just a superb Malbec of terroir. In fact, I wonder if I'm underrating it. This wonderfully concentrated, layered wine finishes extremely long, with fine-grained tannins. (Stephen Tanzer, Vinous, Jul 2017)
Oct 30th, 2017Deep, intense, licorice-flavored Malbec. Not my favorite style, but well-made. Prune start, acidic and long finish. Best with steak.
Deep, intense, licorice-flavored Malbec. Not my favorite style, but well-made. Prune start, acidic and long finish. Best with steak.
Sep 22nd, 2018Lighter body than expected. Pleasant balance. Peppery note on the finish.
Lighter body than expected. Pleasant balance. Peppery note on the finish.
Mar 11th, 2018
The second Malbec I would buy. 4200 foot elevation vineyard. This producer harvests early compared to others in the region, no new oak, native yeasts, low yields. Balanced, subtle, and lean character for meals.
The second Malbec I would buy. 4200 foot elevation vineyard. This producer harvests early compared to others in the region, no new oak, native yeasts, low yields. Balanced, subtle, and lean character for meals.
Jun 20th, 2017
Had in Charlotte with Gallagher...very good
Had in Charlotte with Gallagher...very good
May 15th, 2017