ALTOS LAS HORMIGAS MALBEC 2013
MENDOZA, ARGENTINA
By: Ed "The Wine Guy"
Another very satisfying Malbec from - where else but - Mendoza, Argentina, where the Malbec grape has found its true home. Located in the eastern foothills of the Andes, the geography there is similar to Columbia Valley in Washington State: a semi-desert climate (very hot daytime, very cool nights), with abundant run-off water from a mountain range: the Cascades in Washington, the Andes in Argentina. I venture to say - although I suspect that I would be vehemently contradicted by the people of Mendozza - that the Malbec grape would do equally well in Columbia Valley. Both settings enable red grapes to grow to their fullest potential, resulting in lush wines. This Altos Las Hormigas Malbec is deeply purple in color, has a concentrated, fruit-forward character, exhibiting aromas and flavors of smoky cherries, raspberry, plum, a touch of spice, with hints of vanilla and chocolate, and with smooth tannins.