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. 20,600 bottles were filled in September 2019.Robert Parker Wine Advocate | 97 RPPretty, 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.James Suckling | 94 JS(Altos Las Hormigas, Appellation Gualtallary, Malbec, Uco Valley, Gualtallary, Mendoza, Argentina, Red) Delicately scented displaying aromas of blue flowers, liquorice, savoury notes and oaky spices. Chewy tannins with a wealth of concentration. (Drink between 2021-2030)Decanter | 93 DECThe most accomplished of the Appellation wines, because Gualtallary is a region where grapes can ripen earlier without losing their greener qualities, something that the aging in foudres makes no effort to conceal – the opposite, in fact. Bright purple in color. Reductive thyme and wet stone notes stand out on the nose, and sour cherry follows on behind. The austere palate is taut as a high wire, while the flavors are sustained by the freshness, which comes in a chalky coating. Austere with basic, primary flavors. I opened three bottles of this wine before really beginning to understand it. Requires plenty of thought. Good cellar potential.Vinous Media | 92 VM
