Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020

 

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Altos Las Hormigas
Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020
  • Vintage : 2020
  • Country : Argentina
  • Region : Mendoza
  • Subregion
  • Type : Red
  • Style Deep Full Bodied
  • Format : 75cl
  • Alcohol : 14,5°
  • Grappes : 100% Malbec

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley is a testament to the elegance and complexity that the Uco Valley terroir can impart to Malbec, showcasing a fine balance between ripe fruit flavors and underlying mineral notes.

Experts Score Vintage
RP Robert Parker 93 2020
JS James Suckling 93 2020
VN Vinous (Antonio Galloni) 92 2020
W&S Wines & Spirits 91 2018
DCT Decanter 91 2014
More information on wine critics and ratings

This Malbec Reserve hails from the prestigious Uco Valley in Mendoza, Argentina, a region renowned for producing some of the country's most sophisticated and terroir-driven wines. This vintage comes from vines planted in limestone soils, primarily in Gualtallary (80%) and Altamira (20%), areas known for their high elevation and the ability to produce wines with great concentration and elegance.

The vintage was characterized by warm and dry conditions, which, despite the challenges, resulted in a wine that maintains poise and complexity. Fermentation was carried out with natural yeasts, and the wine underwent a maturation process where 75% of the volume was aged in oak foudre for 18 months, with the remainder in raw concrete, contributing to its unique texture and flavor profile​​.

Tasting Notes:

  • Color: Deep color with a brilliant purple rim.
  • Aroma: Intense nose featuring a fine, floral perfume alongside ripe red fruit, undergrowth, graphite, and smoked walnut nuances.
  • Palate: Rich and mouth-filling with smooth tannins. The wine's structure is well-supported, revealing floral and fruit flavors on the finish, with a lingering mineral complexity​​.

Wine-Pairing Ideas: Given its rich flavor profile and smooth tannins, this Malbec Reserve pairs wonderfully with red meats, barbecue dishes, and hearty stews. Its elegance also makes it suitable for pairing with mature cheeses and mushroom-based dishes.

(VV)

Robert Parker (RP) : 93 Points (2020)
The 2020 Malbec Reserve was produced from vines on limestone soils in Gualtallary (80%) and Altamira (20%) with concentration and elegance. It has 13.8% alcohol and keeps very good freshness and balance. It fermented with natural yeasts, and 75% of the volume matured in oak foudre for 18 months and the rest in raw concrete. They have had the courage to go for their own style, and this wine reflects that, but perhaps it's the most classical of their bottlings. It has ripeness without excess and varietal aromas of violet, iron and blood with an earthy touch and the chalky minerality in the texture. 2020 was a warm and dry vintage, and the wine manages to keep the poise and has the complexity of the noble origin but without the agility of the wines from 2019.

James Suckling (JS) : 93 Points (2020)
Notes of blue plums and blueberries with hints of savory herbs, violets and wet stones. A crunchy and savory palate with juicy, finely polished tannins and chalky blue fruit character. Pretty and attractive with a mineral finish. (2/2023)

Vinous (Antonio Galloni) (VN) : 92 Points (2020)
The 2020 Malbec Reserve from the Uco Valley was 75% aged in foudres. Purple in the glass. This has a mild nose of herbs, violets and sweet and sour cherry. The 2020 is a red with refined, reactive tannins that will improve in the bottle, delivering intense flavor, a juicy flow and a bold expression. The feel is chalky and quite crunchy for a warm year. (JH) (9/2022)

Wines & Spirits (W&S) : 91 Points (2018)
Alberto Antonini and Antonio Morescalchi began this project after a visit to Mendoza in the mid-1990s, now working with wine geologist Pedro Parra and winemaker Attilio Pagli. This malbec has a balance of weight and freshness, transitioning into blueberry flavors and violet florals in the middle. It’s lean and clean, with an earthy softness at the end. 

Decanter (DCT) : 91 Points (2014)
Seductive and inviting, this is a modern style of Malbec which is ripe and sweet with wild herbs and gentle, oaky notes that make it peppery and ever so slightly green. Ready for a barbecue.

Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Classico 2020
Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Classico 2020
Altos Las Hormigas
Mendoza Malbec Classico 2020
RP
90
JS
90
DCT
92
The Altos Las Hormigas Mendoza Malbec Clásico is a vibrant and expressive representation of Mendoza's terroir, offering a delightful exploration of Malbec's classic characteristics with a modern twist.
19,00 €
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Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Organico Lujan de Cuyo 2021
Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroir Organico Lujan de Cuyo 2021
Altos Las Hormigas
Malbec Terroir Organico Lujan de Cuyo 2021
RP
92
VN
90
JS
91
The vines are rooted in a high-density vineyard polygon in our Luján de Cuyo estate. The preparation of the soil included the addition of hummus, along with water management and organic…
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Altos Las Hormigas Blanco 2022
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Blanco 2022
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Altos Las Hormigas Blanco emerges as a distinctive white wine blend from Mendoza, Argentina, showcasing a fresh and balanced profile with an emphasis on the terroir's uniqueness.
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Wine regions guide
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Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Reserve Uco Valley 2020 Reviewed by Robert Parker 31-01-2024 . Score: 4.5