2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 95 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Dense and powerful, but in a very fresh and scented way, with violet, hibiscus, oystershell and hot-stone notes to the black and blue fruit. (…) Full-bodied and quite dense on the palate. There is volume, with succulents and real structure, and, of course, some fine austerity.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 93 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Loving the depth and the austerity on the nose. This is always very fresh and authentic, showing blueberries, strawberries and violets, together with hints of roasted licorice and white-pepper stemminess. Medium-to-full-bodied with a fine delivery of tannins. Juicy and linear. Agile and drinkable, as always.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 93 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Fresh and racy, but also deep, with soft-spoken complexity, delineating baked licorice, black cherries and blueberries. Some chalky raspberries, too. Just medium-to full-bodied with a beautiful delivery of tannins. Polished and compact. Elegant and nervy. So drinkable now, but you can hold it for two to three years.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Organic Terroir Lujan de Cuyo. 92 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Intriguing nose, with violet and cola character to the smoky black raspberries and cherry fruit, as well and some stemmy and white-pepper notes. Mealy tannins with a medium body and juicy center-palate. Polished, yet nicely austere and ethereal. Linear and attractive. From organically grown grapes. Delicious now.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 91 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Black cherries and plums with a darker tone to the fruit and some white pepper. Medium body with a plump, round mouth-feel. Polished, smooth tannins to close.”
2020 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 90 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Nice sour cherries with a streak of white pepper and violets. Medium bodied, but fleshy. Ripe, almost creamy tannins extend to the finish, but are still juicy and vibrant. Not complex, but so balanced and easy to drink. Drink now.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 96 points.
RANKING BEST MALBEC
RANKING BEST ALTAMIRA
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 94 points.
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 93 points.
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Organic Terroir Lujan de Cuyo. 92 points.
2020 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 91 points.
BEST VALUE RED WINES
RANKING SUPER MALBEC
2021 Altos Las Hormigas Blanco. 91 points.
2020 Altos Las Hormigas La Danza Malbec. 90 points.
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 94 points.
Joaquín Hidalgo wrote: “The 2019 Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira is made with grapes from the eponymous Uco Valley GI and aged for 18 months in untoasted foudres. A rich violet in hue. The subtle, clean and austere nose offers notes of plum and cherry along with violet and herb aromas against a cedar backdrop. In the mouth, the core is provided by a juicy freshness while the texture is chalky. A little reactive grip makes for a compact, nimble and linear flow that guarantees it will grow in the bottle. Fresh grapes appear at the back of the throat enhanced by the tannins. Keep for a while before drinking to allow its subtle character to develop properly.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 92 points
Joaquín Hidalgo wrote: “The 2018 MalbecTerroir comes from La Consulta and Tupungato, Uco Valley and was 25% aged in foudres. Purple in color. The nose delivers herbs and violets with tightly packed but clear blackberry and plum aromas. In the mouth, things are a little different. Juicy and flavorful, the expansive flow brings grip and chalky tannins with a degree of linearity that stretches out the finish. A Malbec for modern palates.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Organic Terroir Lujan de Cuyo. 90 points.
Joaquín Hidalgo wrote: “The 2019 Malbec Organico is from Luján de Cuyo. Purple in hue. Unaged, it has a young, easygoing nose of good intensity in which fresh plum and violet notes are prominent. In the mouth, it’s something else with a heightened freshness that brings a nimble flow, medium body, youthful grip (…). This is a Malbec that quenches thirst without going overboard.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 98 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Concentration is easy to achieve in Argentina,” says Alberto Antonini, “but texture is much harder.” All I can say is that he has succeeded here on this best-ever release from Altos Las Hormigas, which brings Burgundian levels of grace and complexity to Malbec.
Scented, hauntingly graceful and complex with remarkable focus and depth, a hint of oak, sweet red fruits and a lingering finish. Exceptional winemaking.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 94 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Calcium carbonate is the thread that runs through the vineyards that supply the fruit for this Malbec from Gualtallary and Paraje Altamira, giving the wine a lovely freshness and lift. Gentle, elegant and perfumed, this has raspberry, orange zest and wild strawberry fruit, fine tannins and a spicy finish.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 93 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Alberto Antonini uses fruit from Gualtallary and Paraje Altamira, two very different Uco Valley sub-regions, to produce this concrete and foudre-aged Malbec. Fresh, elegant and subtle, with an appealing lightness of touch, plum and black cherry fruit and a nuance of oak spice.”
2020 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 91 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Unwooded, as most of the Altos Las Hormigas wines are these days, this is a pure, aromatic pan-regional expression of Malbec from Luján de Cuyo and the Uco Valley. Floral, sappy and medium bodied, with racy acidity, good grip and a core of bramble, violet and red cherry flavours.”
2020 Altos Las Hormigas Blanco. 91 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Marrying Chenin Blanc with 44% Semillón – two varieties that have a long history in Argentina – this is a partially skin-fermented white with plenty of structure and depth, showing characters of quince, honeysuckle and hay and a fresh, palate-cleansing finish.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 97 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The site-specific 2018 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary comes from specific soils, two plots that they believe transmit the maximum expression of limestone to Malbec, giving a structured wine with fine-grained tannins but a little wild. The vines are on stony and gravelly soils with a high percentage of limestone and sand with around 3% clay at 1,300 meters in altitude. The grapes fermented in small concrete vats with indigenous yeasts at some 25 degrees Celsius for 15 days. It matured in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for 18 months and no less than 12 months in bottle. This comes from sandy soils and very low yields that give it chalkier tannins and a savage way. This has a slightly rustic touch, vertical and with some lightness. There’s always a fresh touch of aromatic herbs (thyme and rockrose), with a textured palate and very tasty and clean flavors in the finish.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 96 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The 2018 Malbec Appellation Altamira is a wine produced in search of the limestone expression of Paraje Altamira in a year they deemed more normal than previous ones despite early frost in the zone that lowered yields and a heatwave in the beginning of the summer, but February was optimal and without rain, and they picked grapes with full ripeness and aromatic and flavor components and good natural acidity, avoiding over-ripeness. The wine, fermented in concrete with indigenous yeasts and matured in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for 18 months, resulted in 13.6% alcohol and good freshness despite not having very high acidity. The grapes were sourced from alluvial terraces at 1,200 meters in altitude. The terraces were created by the Tunuyán River, where there is 85% stones and gravel covered by limestone and some silt and sand that provide red fruit freshness and a delicate and elegant balance. It’s floral and gentle, with the mild effect of the big rocks in the wines, medium-bodied, with energy and some lightness from plants that tend to yield well.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 90+ points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “Their bread-and-butter red 2019 Malbec Clásico wants to show, through an early harvest and an élevage without oak, that not all Malbec from Mendoza is jammy. 2019 was much warmer than 2018, and the grapes developed full flavors like they haven’t seen for years. It’s mostly grapes from Luján de Cuyo and a small percentage from the Valle de Uco, mostly from their estate vineyards, from parts with limestone in the soils. The hand-harvested grapes fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts, and the wine matured in concrete vats for nine months. It’s floral and expressive, clean and varietal, juicy, fruit-driven and very easy to drink.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 94 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Pretty, floral and crushed-fruit aromas with raspberry, blueberry, hibiscus and citrus zest. Olives, dried spices and gravel, too. Toasted oak. It’s medium to full-bodied with firm, silky tannins and bright acidity. Wonderfully fresh and layered. Drink or hold.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 93 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Fresh-plum, brambleberry, hibiscus and citrus-zest aromas. It’s medium-bodied with sleek, fine tannins and crisp acidity. Fresh and juicy with crushed stones on the finish. Drink or hold.”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Tinto. 92 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Aromas of currants, blackberries, pumpkin seeds, dried herbs and black olives. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and fresh acidity. Juicy, saline finish. Delicious now.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 91 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Aromas of currants, blackberries, lavender and licorice. It’s medium-bodied with sleek, fine-grained tannins and crisp acidity. Juicy and flavorful with a spiced finish. Drink now or hold.”
2020 Altos Las Hormigas Blanco. 91 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Perfumed aromas of lychee, lemon blossom, osmanthus, white peach and honeydew melon. It’s light-to medium-bodied and gently oily with a refreshing, floral character. Dry. Chenin and Semillon. Weird, but fun. Drink now.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 90 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Ripe-plum, cherry, vanilla, and lemon-zest aromas. It’s medium-bodied with fine tannins and a succulent, fresh finish. Drink now.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 95 points.
Ranking Best Wines from Paraje Altamira.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 94 points.
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Tinto. 92 points.
Ranking Best Value Red Wines. Revelation Wine.
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 91 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “This is a consistently outstanding wine from the Altos Las Hormigas team. It shows the structure and intensity that is a feature of Malbecs from this end of the Uco Valley but with red rather than more customary black fruit flavours. Lavender and rosemary aromas lead you into a palate with fine tannins, fresh acidity and delightful length. 2022-30”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 94 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Refreshingly bright, perfumed and medium-bodied, it has flavours of fennel, summer berries and tangerine, delightful focus and minerality and impressive palate length. 2023-28”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 93 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “This textbook Uco Valley Malbec (…) marries fruit from Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary, with the resulting blend fermented in concrete and aged in large untoasted foudres. Sappy and mineral with notes of white pepper, red and black fruits, appealing freshness and a spicy finish, this is all about flavour rather than oak. 2021-26”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 90 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Oak intervention is kept to a minimum on this refreshing Uco Valley Malbec, with just 25% of the blend aged in large, untoasted foudres. Sappy, grippy and intense, with arresting violet and aromatic herb perfume, youthful plum and blueberry fruit and layered tannins. Great value from the Altos Las Hormigas team. 2021-25”
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 90 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Only concrete” is the motto at Altos Las Hormigas when it comes to fermenting and ageing this entry-point Malbec, mostly from Luján de Cuyo with 30% from the Uco Valley. Pure, vibrant and fresh, it’s a transparent expression of the variety with appealing rose petal and violet aromas, juicy bramble fruit and the minerality that’s typical of the bodega’s wines. 2020-23
2019 Altos Las Hormigas Tinto. 90 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Tinto is an unusual co-fermentation of Bonarda with 42% Malbec and a splash of Semillón from two sources. Made as a tribute to Chianti, where co-owner Alberto Antonini is based, this is a great glugging red that wouldn’t look out of place in a trattoria. Juicy and raspberry fruity with a nip of tannin and refreshing acidity. 2020-24”
Terry Kirby recommends two of our Malbec – Clasico from Argentina and Causse Du Theron En Pente from France – in this article for UK’s newspaper The Independent, “7 malbecs to drink in March”.
About our Malbec Clasico, he says: “Stainless steel fermentation and ageing in concrete vats preserves that freshness and minerality, with a good balance between red and black fruits and with just the slightest hint of mints and violets; a great wine for a fine steak, whether it is from a cow or a tuna…”
And Talking about our French Malbec: “Altos Las Hormigas has brought its Mendoza expertise back to France in partnership with a local vineyard to produce the excellent Causse Due Theron En Pente 2014 where the ageing is in tanks rather than oak and the bright, blueberry and raspberry fruits dominate, gorgeously aromatic and drinkable; one for special occasions and ideally with an organic roast chicken, veal steaks or confit duck.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley. 93 Points.
James Suckling wrote: “Dense, black and sour cherries, as well as fresh damsons with a nice, spicy note. Very refreshing acidity encompasses crunchy sour cherries and juicy plums, all framed in a tight structure. Firm, silky tannins. An uncompromising malbec with character. Drink or hold.”
Our was Malbec Clasico chosen as “Wine of The Week” on the UK’s The Telegraph. As a part of a larger article entitled “‘Less malbec and more Argentina’: Why our favourite red wine has been given a mellow makeover” journalist Victoria Moore interviews Alberto Antonini, quoting: “Antonini was happy to back malbec, though. “We [Altos Las Hormigas],” he says, “were the very first to focus exclusively on malbec.” From my perspective, Altos Las Hormigas has always made good wines within the parameters of what it was trying to achieve, but what Antonini seeks now – along with other like-minded winemakers – is “less malbec and more Argentina.” In other words, more “terroir-driven” wines, with more of a sense of place.”
She chooses our 2018 Malbec Clasico as “Wine of the Week”: “There’s a pleasing freshness to this malbec. Most of the grapes come from Luján de Cuyo, with a little from high-altitude vineyards in the Uco Valley. There’s no oak – it’s vinified in stainless steel and then aged in concrete.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96+ points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “After some ups and downs in past vintages, the 2017 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary is every bit as good as the already superb 2017. It’s expressive, mineral and vertical, austere, like biting into chalk. (…) The palate is super austere, dry, serious and mineral, while the nose is expressive and has the wilderness of the place with unusual elegance and freshness for a year like 2017. It finishes long and tasty, with some violets. Could this be their best Gualtallary to date?”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 95 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The captivating 2017 Malbec Appellation Altamira has been produced with grapes from the same vineyard since 2015, next to the neighboring vineyard where they have now planted their own grapes. It’s tremendously expressive and aromatic, and it seems to transcend the vintage. They couldn’t make the wine in 2016 because of the adverse conditions, but they came back really strong with this 2017, which has a chalky texture and a dry, austere and long finish. Really very good.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 94+ points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The limestone starts in the Reserva/Reserve range, of which I tasted the 2018 Malbec Reserve, which is produced from vineyards on limestone soils in Altamira and Gualtallary. This is incredibly elegant, floral and expressive, with superb minerality on the palate. It has fine-grained tannins and is silky, tasty, long and expressive. Superb! This wine is all about texture, and it’s the best reserve I ever remember.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 92 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The 2018 Malbec Terroir Valle de Uco has great brightness of fruit and much more freshness (…). It’s expressive, aromatic and more elegant, with refined tannins and a silkier mouthfeel. There is a special brightness here.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo. 91 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The 2018 Malbec Terroir Luján de Cuyo was tasted next to the Malbec Terroir Valle de Uco (produced in exactly the same way), and the comparison was quite interesting, with more rusticity and an earthy touch here. This wine also comes across as a little more evolved, with some dusty tannins and a different profile. This is like the classical Malbec from Luján but with added freshness.”
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 91 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The unoaked 2018 Malbec Clásico 2018 comes from a very good year, after 2013 and 2014, which were very difficult years, and 2015 and 2016 that saw lots of rain. (…) the wine now has some 30% of grapes from Valle de Uco, which is always a cooler region that is noticed in the wine, which is very balanced, harmonious and easy to drink. It has a dusty note and fine tannins; it’s elegant and especially very drinkable.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Tinto. 90 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The 2017 Tinto is an unusual co-fermentation of Bonarda and Malbec and some 7% Semillon grapes, fermented in stainless steel and kept in concrete vats and bottled without touching any oak. Floral, juicy and elegant. This is the first vintage released. It’s a straightforward, juicy and young red with some complexity where the Semillon seems to add freshness.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 96 points. Ranking ‘Best Wines of Paraje Altamira’
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 95 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 93 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 92 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Organic Terroir Lujan de Cuyo. 92 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 92 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Tinto. 90 points.
Ray Isle reviews our Altos Las Hormigas TINTO 2017 in US Food&Wine Magazine! According to Ray, “Antonio Morescalchi channels classic Chianti into this Argentine red blend – particularly in his use of a small percentage of white grapes (Semillon) to brighten the wine, which is primarily Bonarda and Malbec. Ruby red, lightly peppery, and full of crunchy berry fruit, it’s a great casual sipper to buy by the case.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 17/20 points.
Alistair Cooper MW has vast experience in South American wines and he has recently joined Jancis Robinson’s team. He wrote about our wine: “What wonderful purity aromatically! Subtle peppery spice mixed with dense cool blue fruits and crushed graphite. Really lively palate with marked acidity and very tight tannins, young and with great potential. Doesn’t quite have the power of previous vintage, but that’s no bad thing” Drink 2021-2029
Eric Asimov recommends our 2016 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary in his latest The New York Times article.
Asimov writes: “For producers who push themselves and the grape, malbec from Argentina can be subtle and expressive, especially when taken out of the fertile, loamy farmlands that give fruity richness and little else. Instead, the best producers are seeking terrain that is rocky and challenging, often at higher elevations.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 92+ points.
Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Dark ruby. Ripe aromas of blackberry, violet and chocolate are energized by a chalky element. Rich and densely packed, conveying some very ripe notes but still with impressive saline energy in the middle palate. Classically dry and fine-grained, with a hint of leathery rusticity giving the wine a distinct Old World quality. Still quite tight and chalky in the mouth, with accents of oregano, thyme, sage and flowers contributing to the impression of sharp definition. Finishes with a firm dusting of tannins and rising salty length. Give this wine at least a couple more years in the cellar before pulling the cork.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 90 Points.
Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Medium ruby. Enticing aromas of dark berries, bitter chocolate, violet and black olive. Juicy, firm and gripping; not a fleshy wine but boasts excellent calcaire energy (the fruit comes from Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary). (…) Finishes with a firm tannic spine and saline and herbal nuances. A very nicely made newer style of Argentina Malbec, from fruit picked for freshness. (aged for 18 months in large used French oak foudres)”
Our Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2016 among Andrew Jefford’s TOP 25 PREMIUM ARGENTINEAN MALBECS, featured on Decanter Magazine.
His complete review: “This palate is all about the fruit – and it’s pretty special: a cascade of brilliant plum, sloe, damson and elder, a hint of fruit blossom too; I love the untrammelled way it’s delivered, hand on heart, to the drinker. Some grape-skin tannin shapes the wine and lends it gastronomic appeal. The quality of the raw materials sings out.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico
Eric Asimov wrote: “Violet-scented Argentine malbec that is medium-bodied, unmarred by clumsy oak treatments or other cellar techniques, is a great thing.”
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 93 points.
“Attractive blueberries and violet flowers lead to a palate that has a bright array of fresh, rich berries and approachable, long and supple tannins. Lots of crushed stone too. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Luján de Cuyo. 92 points.
“Some spicy oak layers nicely into ripe red-plum and mulberry aromas. The palate has a smooth and very open, silky feel. Cassis flavors hold the finish. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 92 points.
“This has aromas of brambly dark berries and violet flowers with cassis in the mix, too. The palate has a juicy and succulent feel with fine tannins that make a long, even and attractive shape. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling
2018 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda Clásica. 92 points.
“An unusually ripe Bonarda with plenty of blackberries and a generous tannin structure that lacks the rusticity that’s normal for the grape. Rather long, positively dry finish. Drink or hold.”- James Suckling
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Tinto. 90 points.
“Dried flowers and cassis that flow to the palate in easygoing and approachable style. Smooth, glossy and soft tannins. A blend of 48 per cent bonarda, 45 per cent malbec and seven per cent semillon. Drink or hold.” – James Suckling
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 94 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec reserve. 93 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Luján de Cuyo. 91 points.
2018 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda. 90 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Tinto. 90 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 90 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 94 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 93 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo. 91 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 90 points.
2018 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 90 points.
2013 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 94 points.
Adega’s Tasting Team wrote: “a faithful portrait of Gualtallary wines, showing tension and vibration, but remaining a classic made by Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini.” (translation by ALH )
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 97 points.
Steven Spurrier wrote: “Italian Alberto Antonini and Chilean soil specialist Pedro Parra get the very best from this limestone vineyard at 1,300m. Dense, ripe, garrigue nose and spicy yet supple flavours combining power and finesse.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Luján de Cuyo. 90 points.
Kim Marcus wrote: “Elegant and well-structured, with focused flavors of red currant, dried berry and savory herb that are supported by medium-grained tannins. The minerally finish has good grip. Drink now through 2022.”
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo. 93 points.
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Valle de Uco. 93 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Tinto. 91 points.
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 91 points.
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “My favorite of the collection, the 2016 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary is a wild and structured expression of the grape, place and vintage. Produced with grapes grown at 1,300 meters in altitude, it fermented in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and aged in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for some 22 months. It comes from two selected plots in Gualtallary and has a very perfumed nose that is intoxicating, with notes of decayed violets, wild herbs and an earthy touch. The palate is pure chalk, with mineral notes, ultra refined tannins and a dry, tasty finish. This has a similar character to the Reserve, with higher minerality and the added freshness of 2016. This has to be one of the best wines ever produced at Altos Las Hormigas. It has the balance to develop nicely in bottle.”
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 94 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The 2015 Malbec Reserve was produced with grapes from limestone-rich soils in Altamira and Gualtallary. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured in untoasted 3,500-liter oak foudres for 22 months. This is always a serious and mineral wine, a Malbec that overdelivers, especially in a cool year like this, with the verticality from Gualtallary that is the majority of the blend. It’s like an upgraded version of the Terroir Valle de Uco bottling, even if it’s from a slightly riper year. But Altos Las Hormigas is one of the first to harvest in Mendoza. The price is just unbelievable.”
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 92 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The introduction to the Valle de Uco is the 2016 Malbec Terroir Valle de Uco, which has grapes from La Consulta and Tupungato. In 2016, a cool year with low yields, they fermented the grapes in small stainless steel vats with indigenous yeasts, and 75% of the volume was kept unoaked while the remaining 25% matured in untoasted 3,500-liter oak foudres for 18 months. This is a Malbec that’s a lot more linear and austere, with superb freshness, super fine tannins and a subdued minerality, really serious. The palate is harmonious, balanced and mineral. It’s a bargain Malbec, really nuanced and with incipient complexity despite its youth.”
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Lujan de Cuyo. 90 Points.
Luis Gutierrez wrote: “The 2016 Malbec Terroir Luján de Cuyo is produced in a way that is similar to the Malbec Terroir Valle de Uco, with native fermentation in concrete where it’s kept for 12 months. But this wine uses grapes from certified organic vines from a younger, high-density plot planted in 2001 in the vineyard around their winery. This shows more ripeness and softer acidity than the one from Valle de Uco. It fills your mouth and has some juicy tannins and volume but also freshness and good minerality.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 92 points (Silver Medal).
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 90 Points.
James Suckling wrote: “Very floral and herbal character. A sleek, cool and dry malbec. With a crisp acidity this is a radical stylistic departure. Drink or hold.”
2017 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 92 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Altos’ “classic” Malbec marries fruit from Medrano and the Uco Valley and, in keeping with the winery’s philosophy on its cheaper wines, is entirely unoaked. Aromatic and refined, with lovely minerality and dark cherry and blackberry fruit. 2019-25”.
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira 2015. 94 points.
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve 2015. 94 points.
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 92 points.
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 90 points.
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 95 points.
British magazine Decanter’s October issue is all about the wines of South America. In this special number, our Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira receives 95 points in Alistair Cooper’s piece entitled: “10 wines pushing the boundaries”. Cooper says that our Malbec has a “stunning nose of crushed violets, mulberry, blackberry and graphite. Mineral-drenched palate of liquorice, spice and forest fruits. Superbly fine and smooth tannins and a long, cool, saline finish”.
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 94 Points.
Stephen Tanzer wrote: “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.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 93 Points.
Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Bright medium ruby. Pungent, very dark aromas of blackberry pastille, licorice, violet, musky resin and bitter chocolate. Powerful, dense and fine-grained but not at all overly sweet. The black fruit and sexy spice flavors are complemented by bitter chocolate, leather and herbs but for all its muscularity and thickness it retains a light touch. Finishes broad and palate-saturating, with terrific clarity and length. A splendid example of Malbec, conveying a suggestion of creamy depth that I find captivating, not to mention strong terroir character from a topnotch site. This is sweet enough to give early pleasure but has the stuffing to age. Dusty tannins saturate the tongue.”
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 93 Points.
James Suckling wrote: “A layered and pretty wine with blackberry, stone and dark-chocolate character. Medium to full body, firm and medium chewy tannins and a fresh finish. Drink or hold.”
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 91 Points.
James Suckling wrote: “Dried-berry and floral aromas. A medium body with silky tannins and a tight center palate of fruit. A flavorful finish creates harmony and balance. Drink now or hold.”
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico. 90 Points.
James Suckling wrote: “A juicy and fruity wine with orange peel, ripe-fruit and hints of flowers. Medium body and a delicate style. Drink now.”
Julia Harding- MW, writing for jancisrobinson.com, visited Mendoza after 11 years. She tasted our wines with Leo Erazo and Antonio Morescalchi for her 2017 Report, and these are the scores she gave us: 17.5 pts Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve 2014 – 17.5 pts Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira 2015 – 17.5++ Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary 2014. In Jancis Robinson’s scoring system, a 17 is a Superior wine.
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 97 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “This is the fifth release of this remarkable red, sourced from limestone soils in Gualtallary.
It’s a dense, concentrated, compact wine – the Cornas of Argentinean Malbec if you like – with rich, spicy tannins, masses of dark berry concentration, a hint of older wood and thrilling freshness and balance.”
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Paraje Altamira. 96 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “The Altos team only made one Appellation wine in 2015, alas, but it’s still a very impressive release, sourced from a single grower in Paraje Altamira. Subtle oak, aromas of orange zest and avatar of roses, crunchy blackberry fruit, fine tannins and wonderful acidity and palate length.”
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 94 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “You wouldn’t expect it, given the growing conditions in 2016, but this is a step up on the 2015
release. Intense, perfumed and refreshing, it’s all violet and blackberry on the palate, with skilfully judged tannins, chalky acidity and impressive length.”
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 93 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Only Malbec grown on limestone in Paraje Altamira and Gualtallary is used to make this foudre-aged red. It’s a wonderfully focused, pithy number: sappy and perfumed with filigree tannins and a chalky, palate-cleansing finish.”
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Uco Valley. 93 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “The bramble, blood orange and blueberry fruit flavours are balanced by acidity and fine tannins.”
2016 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 92 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Including a greater proportion than ever from Altos Las Hormigas’ own fruit in Luján de Cuyo, with an additional 30% from the Uco Valley, this is surprisingly concentrated for a rainy vintage. Sappy, floral and fresh, with bramble and black cherry fruit, some whole bunch spice and almost no oak.”
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 92 points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Made in what Leo Erazo says is “the old style” with little or no oak and low alcohol, this is a pan-regional Malbec blend that is driven by freshness and fruit purity. Nuanced and balanced, it’s very much a food-oriented style.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 95 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The other appellation Malbec comes from the hottest place (not in temperature, but in terms of market demand) in the Valle de Uco, where the grapes for the 2014 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary are grown. This is significantly cheaper than most wines of this quality. (…) The soils here are rich in calcium carbonate, but in the shape of caliche (a kind of marl with plenty of chalky material, iron and clay), which provide for more tannic wines. The destemmed grapes fermented in small concrete vats with indigenous yeasts without the use of any pumps. The wine matured in used, untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for a period of some 18 months. It feels fresher, perhaps a little herbal and definitely more ethereal than the Altamira. Yes, it’s more tannic, because the tannins are abundant, but they feel very fine-grained. This year I favor Gualtallary over Altamira. There is more complexity here.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 94 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “There are two separate wines from appellations in the Uco Valley, one of them the 2014 Malbec Appellation Altamira that comes from one appellation that has been officially named Paraje Altamira. This is a delicate Malbec from a low-yielding vintage, with up to 30% less grapes than the average, due to frost. The vines are located at 1,200 meters altitude on stony and chalky soils and the grapes fermented in small cement vats with indigenous yeasts, with punching down of the cap but without any pumping over. The wine matured in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for 18 months and was kept in bottle for one year before being released. Even if the foudres are the same as those used for the Gualtallary, the oak feels more present here. There are some spicy aromas over a core of red fruit, and notions of wet stones. There is more volume here than in the Gualtallary, and the tannins are more present, it fills your mouth and leaves an earthy sensation. Great price for the quality it delivers.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 93 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “There is quite a jump in price for the 2014 Malbec Reserve. Here the grapes are grown on chalky soils with round stones in Altamira, Gualtallary and a touch of Vista Flores (that they are not using anymore) that fermented with indigenous yeasts and without any acid correction. The wine was aged in untoasted 3,500-liter oak foudres for 16 months. There is also a jump in quality, a serious wine where the minerality and freshness rule. This wine will please more advanced drinkers, with its subtle minerality, its balance and tasty, almost salty finish. This is a sleek, fine and elegant representation of the limestone soils of the Valle de Uco.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir. 90 points.
Luis Gutiérrez wrote: “The grapes for the 2014 Malbec Terroir are sourced from the cooler Valle de Uco within Mendoza, from Tupungato Winelands in Gualtallary, to be precise, where they have very stony soils. 2014 saw a lot of rain—in three weeks they got the equivalent of two years of rainfall—and they decided to harvest earlier to keep the acidity, aiming for lower alcohol and finer tannins. Half of the wine was kept in concrete, while the remaining half was put equal parts in stainless steel and 3,500-liter, mostly untoasted oak foudres for one year. There is good balance between volume and minerality here, between ripeness and subtlety.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 93 points.
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir. 92 points.
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 91 Points.
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 90 points.
2013 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Vista Flores. 96 points.
2013 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 95 points.
Altos Las Hormigas, TOP 10 Argentinean wineries of 2016, by Aldo Graziani.
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96 points.
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 95 points.
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 93 Points.
2015 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 91 points.
Elin McCoy describes the new style of Argentine Malbec in this piece that also includes a review of our 2013 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary: “The group of Italian winemakers who founded the winery changed direction with the 2012 vintage. Fresh and bright, with floral aromas and deep, deep mineral flavors, this medium-bodied red from vineyards at 1,300 meters above sea level delivers a very serious wine for the price.”
Andrew Jefford writes on the Financial Times about our #Malbec from Cahors… “These are dark, pure, fragrant and nervy red wines with a finegrained but nonetheless palpable textural presence and sustained acidity. The acidity is ripe and fruitbonded: the wines drink well (…) None are oaked; all are aged in concrete, to maximise vineyard character.”
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2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 92 Points.
We reproduce Fabricio Portelli’s comments in the original language they were published, to respect his exact thoughts on the wine: “Ante todo un Malbec, por donde se lo sienta. Compacto y prolijo, con taninos firmes y pulidos. Buena fruta roja para nada sobre actuada, con especias y una agradable frescura. Paladar con fuerza y energía, una muy buena textura con firmeza. Un vino con potencial y fineza, en el que las notas de fruta roja conviven con las de crianza durante 18 meses en foudres de 3500, pero su carácter habla más del lugar. Beber entre 2016 y 2020.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 93 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Fresh and focused red with blackberry, violet and black tea aromas that follow through to a full body, firm tannins and a silky finish. Very fine.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 92 points.
James Suckling wrote: “Spicy and earthy with hints of bark and light plums on the nose and palate. Full body, firm
tannins and a fresh and clean finish.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 92 points.
James Suckling wrote: “A red with ripe fruit showing blackberry and blueberry character. Medium body, firm tannins and a fresh finish.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 90 Points.
DJ Kearney wrote: “The mantra at Altos las Hormigas is less Malbec, more Argentina: the idea is that fastidious farming on carefully chosen high altitude limestone terroirs might produce more complex and distinctive wines. And here we have one fresh juicy and minerally, lithe and finely tuned, with a lovely herbal pungency. This is a beautifully balanced wine that deserves lots of smoky asado and lots of good friends to share it with.’’
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 92 points.
Markus del Monego wrote: “Deep purple red with violet hue and black core. A rich and complex nose with aroma reminiscent of oak spices, gingerbread, incense, blackberries and wisteria. On the palate rich with mature tannins, excellent lenght, spicy finish and elegant acidity.”
2013 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 92 Points.
Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Bright red-ruby. Pungent limestone lift to the aromas of black raspberry, licorice, leather, coffee and smoked meat. Finegrained in texture, offering excellent energy and definition. By far the stoniest and oakiest of these appellation bottlings, finishing firmly tannic and long, with excellent energy and lift. A tightly wound Malbec with limited easy sweetness in the early going owing to its strong minerality”.
2013 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 91 Points.
Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Bright red-ruby. More primary and brisk on the nose than the Vista Flores bottling, with dark berry aromas accented by violet, licorice and bitter chocolate. Ripe and suave but with a youthful medicinal reserve; more primary than the Vista Flores but with no rough edges showing. Finishes with firm, smooth tannins and very good length. Ultimately sweeter on the end than the Vista Flores”.
2013 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Vista Flores. 90 Points.
Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Moderately saturated medium red. Slightly reduced aromas of redcurrant, plum and leather lifted by a topnote of dried flowers. Suave, fine-grained and alive, conveying attractive finesse of texture to its mellow plum and redcurrant flavors lifted by spices. Not particularly primary but shows an enticing light touch and seductive restrained sweetness. Finishes with suave tannins and very good length. A lovely laid-back Malbec without excesses”.
2013 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 91 Points.
Stephen Tanzer wrote: “Bright red-ruby. Deep, reduced aromas of currant, crushed blackberry, leather and mocha. Plush, sweet and deep, with a seductive tactile quality to its flavors of plum, currant, tobacco and mocha. Fatter than the Gualtallary Malbec and easier to taste now. While it may not have as much energy for the long term, it offers superb texture without heaviness as well as lovely length”.
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 97 Points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Focused, intense and typically chalky, this is polished and well balanced with intense blackberry and orange peel notes, understated oak and a finish that lingers for over a minute on the palate. Essence of the upper Uco Valley.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 94 Points.
Tim Atkin wrote:”Showing the focus, perfume and grip that are a feature of many Altamira wines, this has bright acidity, sappy tannins, barely discernible oak, dark blackberry and damson fruit and typically chalky minerality. Brilliant and brave winemaking from the Chilean-Italian Altos crew.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve. 93 Points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Combining grapes from three Uco Valley sources, all of them on limestone soils in Paraje Altamira, Vista Flores and Gualtallary, this is another focused, balanced, refreshing red from the Altos team. Crunchy blackberry fruit, pepper spice and understated oak with a savoury, umami-like undertone.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir. 92 Points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “Like all of the Altos reds, this Gualtallary Malbec shows very little oak on the nose or palate.
Sappy, tangy and low in alcohol, with some limestone-derived minerality, supple raspberry and red cherry fruit and a balanced, tangy finish. Continues the winery’s move towards greater elegance.”
2014 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico. 91 Points.
Tim Atkin wrote: “The ‘classic’ Malbec, as it’s known at Altos, is a 60,000 case blend, all of it from Medrano in
eastern Mendoza. Picked early to preserve acidity, it includes some whole bunches, but very little oak influence, resulting in a red that is spicy, juicy, refreshing and very drinkable.”
The article, entitled “To Move Beyond Malbec, Look Below the Surface”, highlights the efforts of the Altos Las Hormigas team that, along with terroir-specialist Pedro Parra, work on discovering the best soils to express their unique characteristics on each of our wines.
Decanter Magazine, Feb. 2016. Andrew Jefford describes the adventure of the Altos Las Hormigas team making wine in Cahors, France. In an interview with Antonio Morescalchi, he digs into the story that made the creation of the wines Causse du Théron, Causse des Ons and Causse du Vidot possible.
Alberto Antonini discusses ALH history, philosophy and our future.
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Decanter July 2015 – Alberto Antonini & Attilio Pagli named in Top 10 Winemakers of the World
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Decanter Magazine Awards Malbec Clásico 2013 91 Points in May 2015 Issue
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Gallery Magazine Article – February 2015 Issue
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Wine Spectator Names Malbec Terroir 2011 A Top Value For 2014
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Vinothéque November 2014 Argentina Terroir Article
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Jancis Robinson Article Featuring Alberto Antonini & ALH
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Decanter Magazine Article – October 2014 Issue
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Malbec Clásico 2013: Best for Barbeque
“Italian-Argentinian co-production Altos Las Hormigas is making some of the best Malbecs around, and this vivacious bottling perfectly encapulates the variety’s charms: fragrant, floral, succulent and fleshy but with all the required depth and tannic structure for an asado (South American barbecue).
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Appellation Vista Flores 2011: 92 Points
The 2011 Malbec Appellation Vista Flores is produced from 100% Malbec from Vista Flores in the Uco Valley, in a new zone closer to the mountains, which is fresher. There is a huge change in this vintage. I don’t feel the oak at all; the wine is aromatic, expressive and mineral. The palate is really fresh, and juicy with a silky texture and very lively flavors of violets and ripe blue fruit, with some tannins to be polished.
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Malbec Terroir 2012: 91 Points
The 2012 Malbec Terroir is produced from fruit sourced from different calcareous vineyards within the Uco Valley, I see a jump in freshness, despite the warmer vintage. The fruit is redder, with notes of cherries and hints of curry and other spices, very fluid and fresh. Great value and great Malbec.
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Malbec Reserve 2012: 90 Points
The 2012 Malbec Reserva is a blend of their best calcareous grapes from the Uco Valley. Again there is a big jump, the wine is bright cherry-colored, with a fresh, red fruit nose with hints of raspberries. Although very subtle, there seems to be a change in texture, because about 15% of the bunches are fermented with the stem, but the rest of the grapes are not crushed and moved by gravity, while before they were crushed and moved with pumps. This 2012 was aged in foudres for one year (while the 2011 was still in 225-liter barrique). It is still young, but is drinkable and starting to develop complexity. A big change for this wine; superb value for money!
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Appellation Vista Flores 2009: 89 Points
The 2009 Malbec Appellation Vista Flores is produced from 100% Malbec from Vista Flores in the Uco Valley. Malolactic was carried out in oak barrels, where the wine aged for 36 months. This is a dark-colored, serious wine with reticent aromas that require coaxing to show ripe black fruit. The palate shows good integration of the wood, with supple tannins and juicy fruit, with the oak-inflicted flavors making a comeback in the slightly warm aftertaste. This is a big wine that would benefit from some more time in bottle. One of the last big wines in the old style from Alto las Hormigas.
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Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda 2012: 88 Points
Same as Clasico, the other wine from Medrano is the 2012 Colonia Las Liebres Bonarda, a very reliable unoaked, juicy Bonarda that is still very young, with some reductive aromas of meat broth that would benefit from energetic decanting that would reveal ripe red fruit and red licorice aromas. The round palate shows balance and good integration. Very drinkable and accessible. A crowd pleaser at a great price.
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Malbec Terroir 2011: 88 Points
The 2011 Malbec Terroir is produced from fruit sourced from different calcareous vineyards within the Uco Valley. Its nose opens with notes of sweet spices to reveal a core of fresh red fruit. The medium-bodied palate shows pungent flavors of violets and Morello cherries sustained by great acidity. A great commercial wine at a good price.
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Malbec Reserve 2011: 87 Points
The 2011 Malbec Reserva is a blend of their best calcareous grapes from the Uco Valley. It is dark cherry-colored, with a nose dominated by wood aromas, nutmeg, clove, toasted bread and vanilla with a distant core of ripe fruit. The palate reveals abundant fine-grained tannins and good acidity, so the wine should come together with some time in bottle.
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Malbec Clásico 2013: 87 Points
Malbec Clasico, a fresh, unoaked Malbec from Medrano in Lujan de Cuyo, with a bright ruby color and notes of red fruit, and piercing acidity. Pleasant, highly drinkable and enjoyable. One for the table. Only 13.7% alcohol, which is quite remarkable for a relatively warm region. Around one million bottles produced. Superb value. Drink now.
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Appellation Gualtallary 2012: 94-96 Points
The 2012 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary is produced from 100% Malbec from three different vineyards in Gualtallary, the most calcareous zone within Tupungato in the Uco Valley, a more austere and mineral wine than the Altamira, which feels a little more exuberant. This is restrained and mineral, serious, deep and with imperceptible oak (aged in 3,500-liter foudres). A tour de force Malbec in one of the (if not the) highest potential regions in Argentina. At this quality level this is a real bargain.
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Appellation Vista Flores 2012: 92-94 Points
The 2012 Malbec Appellation Vista Flores is produced from 100% Malbec from four different vineyards in Vista Flores in the Uco Valley. The 2012 again transcends the vintage and feels really fresh, aromatic, and showy, lots of violets, spice and herbs, medium-bodied, with sophisticated tannins, very drinkable. Drink 2015-2020. est potential regions in Argentina. At this quality level this is a real bargain.
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Appellation Altamira 2012: 93-95 Points
The 2012 Malbec Appellation Altamira is produced from 100% Malbec from four different vineyards in Altamira in the Uco Valley, two of them new and two old, aged in foudres. It has superb delineation and purity, with a strong mineral sensation that transcends the red fruit (cherries) and the subtle spicy tones, with great persistence and balance. The oak here is perfectly integrated, despite the 3,500-liter foudres being new, but they were untoasted. If I felt a difference with the 2011s, the jump to 2012s is stratospheric. A tour de force Malbec.
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2012 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Vistaflores. 96 Points.
The richest and most powerful of the three terroir bottlings from Altos (as you’d expect from Vistaflores), this has added weight and sweetness as well as limestone-derived freshness from the Arroyo Grande. It’s a Vistaflores wine, but with elements of Gualtallary, too. These are still comparatively young vines. Imagine how good this wine will be in 20 years’ time… Drink: 2015-22
2012 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Gualtallary. 96 Points.
Wilder and more herbal than the Altamira bottling from Altos, this has a garrigue-like perfume of wild herbs that wouldn’t look out of place in the south of France. Extreme and almost austere on the palate, this has acidity, minerality and palate length in abundance. Drink: 2015-22
2012 Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Appellation Altamira. 96 Points.
The single vineyard releases from Altos won’t hit the market for another year or so, but they are so good that I can’t resist writing about them now. This is hauntingly perfumed and fresh with violets and spices on the nose, deftly integrated oak, flavours of liquorice, damson and blackberry and a zesty, chalk-infused tang. Drink: 2015-22
Get in the mood for malbec, Argentina’s warm bear hug of a wine. Argentina’s number one seller malbec is a perfect comfort wine – a world away from cahors, its gritty French forebear
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For the fourth time in our history, Altos Las Hormigas is included in the prestigious Wine Spectator Top 100 – a selection of the most exciting wines on the market. “Concentrated and cut, displaying layers of macerated blueberry, cassis, black peppercorn and flint on a full frame. Silky tannins and undertones of game and mocha line the savory finish. Drink now through 2020”. —N.W.
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Not only did Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico win a gold medal from the Decanter magazine: its Trophy ranks it first in its category, as the best Argentinian malbec under £15.
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Bright, saturated ruby. Deep, pure but youthfully imploded aromas of blackberry, bitter chocolate, violet, minerals and licorice. Thick and dense but tightly wound, showing an incredibly primary dark fruit character in light of its extended elevage. This youthfully firm-edged wine’s tannic spine calls for at least another three to five years of patience; it should last for a decade or two. Showing less early sweetness than the 2006 version, but I like its floral lift on the back end.
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Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards 2013
After three days of swirling, sniffing, and sipping over 650 entries the expert judges of our 9th annual Vancouver Magazine Wine Awards have chosen the top 100 best-value wines.
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico 2011
Pioneering Mendoza Malbec from a team of Terroir Superstars
The 100 Outstanding Values of 2012
For high quality at low prices, these wines are the world’s best. There’s no reason to skimp on quality when your budget calls for bargain-priced wines. Wine Spectator selects the 100 Outstanding Values of 2012 with the highest quality-to-price ratios available on the market today. Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir. 90 Points. $18.
Vancouver Magazine selected Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clásico 2012 among its Top Red Wines for 2014!
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Altos Las Hormigas has received 93 points from the Wine Spectator for the Malbec Single Vineyard Vista Flores 2007 in the October 31st, 2012 issue.
Concentrated and polished, this dark red exhibits a deep well of macerated blackberry, cassis and plum skin notes supported by full yet fine-grained tannins and ample acidity, which keeps the long, licorice- and mineral-accented finish moving. Drink now through 2017. 200 cases imported. –NW
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91 points. 2010 Malbec Terroir. Alberto Antonini draws on different fruit sources in the Uco Valley to achieve the balance he’s after in this wine. A third of the wine is unoaked, and the result is a subtle Malbec, rather than a fruit bomb, showing welcome minerality, subtle oak, cherry and blackberry fruit and appealing length and complexity.
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93 Points. 2006 Altos Las Hormigas Single Vineyard Malbec. Italian Alberto Antonini seems to have a special understanding of Malbec in Argentina. This deeply coloured, structured red from Vista Flores is built to last and is ageing gracefully: concentrated, savoury/sweet, with flavours of plum and blueberry, subtle oak and a fresh, palate-cleansing finish.estst
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Wine Spectator’s Advance: the 2010 Malbec Terroir receives 90 pts and listed as a Smart Buy in next month’s issue. “A dark red, with bright acidity supporting juicy blackberry, currant and blueberry notes that pick up hints of wild flowers, hot stone and tar. Shows nice range and cut.”
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Best Buy for Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico 2011. “The 2011 follows an excellent 2010, offering a fragrant mix of red and black fruit flavours flecked with smoky dried herb notes. The textures are ultra-silky; the style is Euro classy. Serve for dinner all week long. Great value. (AG)”
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The Altos Los Hormigas Clasico Malbec 2011 is grown at or above 800 metres on mostly low vigour soils in the Valle de Uco, Mendoza. The 2011 follows the excellent 2010, once again offering a fragrant mix of red and black fruit flavours flecked with smoky dried herbs notes. Textures are ultra-silky; the style Euro-classy. Serve for dinner. Great value. Price: $16. Score: 88/100.
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Wine & Spirits Magazine tells the unique story of Pedro Parra’s journey from jazz saxophonist to geologist to international terroir consultant. Written by Patricio Tapia.
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“We begin with a terrific little red from Argentina made by acclaimed Italian winemaker Alberto Antonini and company in Mendoza. Antonini is a site-driven, terroir-seeking winemaker whose style is always about less rather than more. Minerality and freshness are major traits of his wines, which almost always seek to be more sophisticated than alcoholic and rich or heavy. A classy, Euro-style red (showing restraint) suitable for a wide variety of grilled meats and birds.” Altos Las Hormigas Clásico Malbec 2010, Mendoza, Argentina. Price: $15. Score: 88/100.
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ISSUE 161, MARCH/APRIL 2012
2009 Malbec Reserva Mendoza ($28)
Ruby-red. Good spicy lift to the aromas of blackberry, licorice and bitter chocolate. Pure and focused, with intense dark berry and spice flavors firmed by a solid spine of acidity. Finishes strong and long, with broad but fine tannins. Excellent potential here. 90(+?)
ISSUE 161, MARCH/APRIL 2012
2006 Malbec Single Vineyard Vista Flores ($88)
Saturated deep ruby to the rim. Knockout nose combines black currant, violet and licorice pastille. Sweet and seamless, with terrific intensity and a brisk, high-pitched character to the cassis, violet and licorice flavors. Harmonious acidity gives lift and definition to the mid-palate. For all its immediate appeal, this dense, sweet, impressively concentrated malbec needs time in bottle to soften. Finishes very long and classically dry, with the energy and structure to support a graceful evolution in bottle. 92
“The 2006 Malbec Vista Flores Single Vineyard was aged in new French oak for 12 months and in a second set of new oak barrels for 24 months. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits a brooding bouquet with notes of exotic spices, sandalwood, incense, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry. Dense, layered, and voluptuous with the oak fully integrated, this lengthy effort mandates 5-6 years of cellaring and has a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2021. “
Altos Las Hormigas’ Malbec Clasico is an annual Best Buy in this journal.
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“The 2009 Malbec Terroir was made from a different selection of vineyards but was made with essentially the same elevage. Notions of violets, leather, cedar, and assorted black fruits set the stage for a voluminous, nicely proportioned, succulent Malbec that is an outstanding value. Drink it over the next 4-5 years.”
Altos Las Hormigas’ Malbec Clasico is an annual Best Buy in this journal.
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“This is showing well with the extra bottle age, boasting a hefty layer of toast that has begun to meld into the dark fig, blueberry and black licorice notes. Plush through the finish, with extra spice and black tea hints. Malbec. Drink now through 2012. 500 cases made.” –JM
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08 Reserva Malbec Receives 90 Pts from Wine Enthusiast Magazine
“On the oaky side, with toasty aromas of stacked wood, smoke and black fruits lurking below the surface. The palate has the typical piercing juiciness of the 2008 vintage, with bursting flavors of pie cherry and raspberry. Minty and oaky on the finish, with snappy finishing acidity. Drink now through 2012”
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“As black as the night in the Uco Valley, this malbec feels tremendous in size and ripeness, yet held high by an acidity that is as powerful as the wine’s dark fruit flavors. Decant it for lamb on the grill.” -90
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Altos Las Hormigas’ inaugural 2009 Uco Valley Malbec-Terroir has received 89 points from Wine Spectator.
“Ripe and flashy, with crushed blueberry, fig and blackberry fruit all melded nicely together. A licorice snap note adds length on the finish. Drink now. 3,000 cases made.” –JM.
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