Winecast » Malbec

Altos Las Hormigas, Malbec 2005

Tim — Sun, 15 Oct 2006 18:38:55 +0000

Malbec is one of the six grapes that can legally be included in the red blends of Bordeaux. When transplanted to warmer climates of California or, more commonly, Argentina, the grape can stand on it’s own and produce fleshy and juicy wines. Altos Las Hormigas Malbec is one of those inexpensive, fruit-driven wines that I first tasted on Winecast 24. A recent reader comment prompted me to pick up the latest vintage to see if this wine is still delivering the goods.

Made from 50% estate grown Malbec from Lujan and the balance from purchased grapes from Valle de Uco in Mendoza, Argentina, this wine is fermented in stainless steel and then part of it is aged in oak for 9 months before final blending and bottling. In the 2005 vintage, 35,000 cases were produced with 18,000 of those imported into the U.S. where it is widely avalible for between $8 and $10 a bottle.

Altos Las Hormigas, Malbec, Mendoza Argentina 2005 ($8) - Very dark purple-black in color with aromas of blackberry, wet earth and black pepper. In the mouth the wine is juicy and loaded with blackberry and plum fruit, a bit of pepper and spice, finishing with moderate, but well integrated, tannins. A dependable value just perfect for enjoying with grilled beef.

13.9% ABV
Synthetic cork closure
Score: 85

Buy this wine online

Water Wheel Vineyards, “Memsie” 2004

Tim — Fri, 02 Jun 2006 03:02:39 +0000

Water Wheel Vineyards, “Memsie”, Bendigo, Australia 2004 ($17) - An interesting blend of 83% Shiraz, 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 7% Malbec. Garnet in color with black cherry, current and spice aromas. Plum, black pepper and spice flavors finishing with dusty tannins. Delicious and a great value. Score: 9/10

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Ladera, Malbec, Napa Valley 2002

Tim — Sun, 07 Aug 2005 16:22:28 +0000

Ladera, Malbec, Napa Valley 2002 ($38) - Dark ruby color, black cherry and pepper aromas with smooth blackberry flavors. Very nicely done. Score: 8.5/10

Winecast 24 - Malbec

Tim — Mon, 23 May 2005 15:32:47 +0000

Today’s podcast focuses on another Bordeaux blending variety: Malbec. I also talk about the recent U.S. Supreme Court decision opening up interstate wine shipments to more states and follow up on the wine and food matching challenge from Winecast 22.

Wines reviewed:

- Altos Las Hormigas, Malbec, Mendoza Argentina 2003 ($10)
- Bodega Norton, Malbec, Mendoza Argentina 2003 ($8)
- Finca El Portillo, Malbec, Mendoza Argentina 2003 ($13)

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