Altos Las Hormigas

65% of this year's Reserve is from Altamira, from estate-owned vineyards in this stony area of the Uco Valley. The wines from there tend to be much more austere than Gualtallary's lush malbecs (the other 35% of this red), and that's evident here in the form of a delicious dichotomy. The nose is floral, subtly fruity, and almost ethereal, while the palate has fierce, intense, firm, and penetrating tannins. A malbec that accurately reflects a magnificent vintage like 2021 as well as a privileged place like the Uco Valley. In short, a mountain red.

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.