2005 Alta Vista Alto

Though 2005 was a cooler year, the 2005 Alto, a blend of 70% Malbec and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, still achieved 15.4% alcohol but kept 6.5 grams of acidity and three grams of unfermented sugar. Sourced from old vines in El Cepillo and Las Compuertas, it fermented in concrete vats and matured in new French oak barrels for 14 months. 2005 was an exceptional and cooler year, but it was clearly a different era when it comes to winemaking and style of the wines; this was probably the peak of extraction and oak. However, the grapes from old vines from Las Compuertas had the concentration and depth to take this. Of course, it's a powerful, concentrated, smoky, meaty, heady and generously oaked red blend in the XXL style. This is still young—and aging at a very slow speed—but will always keep its style, character and profile, which I find to be more about the winemaking than the place. However, the altitude contributes freshness and acidity, without which I don't think the wine would age as long as this will. 600 bottles and 120 magnums are now sold as a library release. The price given is for a regular bottle.