2019 Finca Altamira Malbec

The impressive 2019 Malbec Finca Altamira has finesse and intensity and the expression of this vineyard by the Tunuyán River with eight hectares that are going to be extended to nine, as one hectare was not planted. It has mineral expression, citrus freshness and the mid-palate complexity that has made Altamira famous. They introduced some used barrels in 2018; and in 2019 that percentage represented perhaps 15% of the barrels (and that will grow in future vintages), and the integration of the oak is better. Furthermore, they have shortened the time in barrel to 13 months, so they respect more the personality of the wine with more careful oaking. This is both powerful and elegant, perfumed, complex and serious with a very balanced palate and elegant and fine tannins that make it fine-boned, like the best vintages of this wine. 9,468 bottles were filled in November 2020.

The 2019 Malbec Finca Altamira hails from Paraje Altamira, Uco Valley, and was aged for 13 months in 80% new French barrels. A rich, reddish-purple in the glass. The complex aromas feature plum with hints of country herbs, camphor and thyme accompanied by whiffs of violet and mint. The aging process adds notes of tobacco and cedar. In the mouth, it delivers a nuanced, high-pitched flavor supported by a juicy, relaxed and polished tannic structure. A characterful, energetic wine that ends with a compact but lingering fruity flourish.

Sweet spices and blueberries, blackberries and blue flowers with hints of chocolate and deep, tangy oyster-shell minerality. The tannin is tight but extremely fine-grained with dense, concentrated fruit. Yet, it doesn’t feel heavy. There’s a fine, saline smack to the finish, too. Drink or hold.