I had a night off in Buenos Aires after a long day trip to Mar del Plata. So I bought a bottle of this. It proved to be a good companion, as I sat working. I really like the balance and style, and after my recent good experience with their less expensive ‘Clasic’, I think this is a winery I should be keeping tabs on. And when you read the philosophy of the winery, and see who’s involved in the project, then it begins to get quite exciting.

Our long journey in the wine world has led us to believe that the ultimate creative force of wine sits in the place of origin. Nature is much more creative and diverse than man, and the bag of tricks of a winemaker cannot compete with billions of years of geology and climate, and thousands of years of viticulture. Terroir is really a way of looking at wine and at winemaking, and therefore pursuing Terroir translates into an endeavor that never ends. Every vintage we feel that we are moving one step forward, and getting closer to a soulful expression of Mendoza, and a full accomplishment of its unicity. Stay tuned.

Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Terroirs 2016 Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina
13.5% alcohol. Aged in a mix of stainless steel, cement tanks and large foudres. This is very nicely poised with a savoury, slightly grippy, gravelly edge to the well balanced black cherry and raspberry fruit. There’s a nice brightness to this wine, which shows a grown-up sort of personality. It’s not trying to be too friendly, there’s no make-up here, and it has a bit of structure. Nice long, spicy, gravelly finish. 93/100 (£15.99 Waitrose)