Malbec is a French grape that used to be a staple of Bordeaux blends. No longer. While it’s still grown in France, especially in Cahors, it has become the darling of Argentinian reds. The Altos Las Hormigas Malbec Clasico is among the best Argentina has to offer, rated 91 points by Robert Parker’s Wine Advocate’s Luis Gutiérrez, who had this to say about the 2018 vintage: “The unoaked 2018 Malbec Clásico 2018 comes from a very good year, after 2013 and 2014, which were very difficult years, and 2015 and 2016 that saw lots of rain. According to winemaker Leo Erazo, it's the most complex wine to make because of the many different sources of grapes, growers and the volume they make. But they planted 22 hectares in 2012, so they use more of their own grapes; the wine now has some 30% of grapes from Valle de Uco, which is always a cooler region that is noticed in the wine, which is very balanced, harmonious and easy to drink. It has a dusty note and fine tannins; it's elegant and especially very drinkable.” He recommends a drinking window through 2022. The price? As low as $8.98/bottle. That’s just plain nuts. But no complaints here!
