Tim Atkin MW Argentinian Wine Report 2023
Wine of The Year
"100 points – Red Wines of the Year/Malbecs of the Year
`Young vines can give you volume and complexity,` says Alberto Antonini of this brilliant seven-year-old parcel in Paraje Altamira. This stunning Malbec comes from a one-hectare plot that viticulturist Pedro Parra justifiably describes as a Grand Cru. Scented and alluring, with rose petal and violet top notes, pure raspberry, wild strawberry and pomegranate flavours, layered tannins, very little oak and a finish that lingers like the last note of a great string quartet. Stunning."
"The new top-of-the-range 2021 Jardín de Hormigas Los Amantes was produced with organic grapes from plot number 15 in their Jardín Altamira property, 1.2 hectares where there are some 80 centimeters of topsoil rich in silt that gives the balance between meat and bones and then big granite rocks with limestone, the big bones. The big bones require a little more meat, so a little more soil... It fermented with 15% whole clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for 15 months. It has 13.5% alcohol and keeps very good freshness and balance. This felt very different from the Appellation Altamira (which was also from a different vintage), more aromatic, with lots of flowers, with lots of layers and personality, which is impressive for vines planted in 2017. Place before age... It's balanced and expressive, with very fine tannins and a dry finish. The place even before the variety... It's elegant and ethereal with grip from the chalky tannins. It's impressive how noble the variety is and how the young vines can produce a wine with this depth. SUPER ELEGANT. A great debut! 4,300 bottles were filled in May 2022." 98 pts Luis Gutiérrez The Wine Advocate
