Alta Vista Alto

Shows terrific intensity and drive, with a torrent of fig paste, macerated currant, boysenberry and blackberry fruit riding over dark, loamy tannins. Muscular and mouthfilling, but with riveting acidity buried deep on the lengthy finish. Unabashed in style, and very, very impressive. Tasted twice, with consistent notes. Best from 2009 through 2015.

The winery’s flagship is the 2006 Alto, a wine composed of 77% Malbec and 23% Cabernet Sauvignon aged for 15 months in new French oak. Opaque purple-colored, it offers a super-sexy, kinky nose of wood smoke, scorched earth, wild blueberry, black raspberry, and black currant that leaps from the glass. On the palate it is elegant despite its size, with a silky smooth texture, layers of succulent fruit, savory flavors, plenty of spice, and outstanding grip and length. Give it 6–8 years of cellaring and enjoy it from 2015 to 2035.

Saturated bright ruby. Superripe, almost port-like aromas of crushed cassis, dark chocolate and licorice. Lush, dense, full and deep, with a seamless texture and very sweet berry and chocolate flavors. I’d drink this impressively rich wine on the young side.