96pts Parker’s WA

My favorite of the collection, the 2017 Malbec Appellation Gualtallary is a wild and structured expression of the grape, place and vintage. Produced with grapes grown at 1,300 meters in altitude, it fermented in concrete vats with indigenous yeasts and aged in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for some 22 months. It comes from two selected plots in Gualtallary and has a very perfumed nose that is intoxicating, with notes of decayed violets, wild herbs and an earthy touch. The palate is pure chalk, with mineral notes, ultra refined tannins and a dry, tasty finish. This has a similar character to the Reserve, with higher minerality and the added freshness of 2017. This has to be one of the best wines ever produced at Altos Las Hormigas. It has the balance to develop nicely in bottle. 10,208 bottles produced.