2021 Altos Las Hormigas, Colonia Las Liebres, Bonarda, Mendoza – buy online

WHO?

Altos Las Hormigas have become globally renowned as specialists in Malbec, with a reputation as one of the top 5 producers of this distinctive variety. One of the co-owners of this winery, Pedro Parra, is the world’s foremost expert in soil. Winemaker Alberto Antonini and his Tuscan colleague, Antonio Morescalchi, were so impressed by the vineyards around Mendoza that after their first trip to Argentina in 1995, they managed to convince a few of their friends to join them in this joint venture.

WHERE?

90% of the grapes are sourced from high-trellised vineyards in Luján de Cuyo, which sit at 800 metres above sea level, which gives the wine its fruit-forward character. The remaining 10% come from Jardín Altamira vineyard in the Uco Valley, at 1200 meters elevation. The vineyards in Mendoza have been selected for their soil and impeccable drainage, which avoids excess vigour and green characteristics.

WHY?

Altos Las Hormigas embraces a biodynamic approach in the vineyard, alongside minimal intervention in the winery. The latter includes utilising indigenous yeasts, a move from oak to concrete (for the Malbec Clásico) and using large, neutral oak for ageing the single vineyard wines.

James Suckling – 91 pts

Robert Parker, The Wine Advocate – 91 pts