Saturated in color. Smells rugged, like tire rubber and tar mixed with blackberry. Beautiful tasting, with black cherry, licorice and minerality on a firm, no-flab palate. Fairly big tannins create structure; a touch of crushed pepper and burnt toast darken up the finish.
— M.S.
(7/1/2005)
Potent and piercing right off the bat. The color says a lot, and the nose is confirmation that with this Malbec you’re not playing around. The berry level is up there, and the flavors of blackberry, cassis and plum are deep and satisfying. A nice layer of roasted fruit and oak carry the finish, and overall this wine offers a lot of juice per sip. Imported by…
— M.S.
(12/31/2005)
On the oaky side, with toasty aromas of stacked wood, smoke and black fruits lurking below the surface. The palate has the typical piercing juiciness of the 2008 vintage, with bursting flavors of pie cherry and raspberry. Minty and oaky on the finish, with snappy finishing acidity. Drink now through 2012.
— M.S.
(5/1/2011)
Starts full and oaky, but not sappy or overly creamy. Settles to offer aromas of campfire, lavender, black peppercorn and plenty of snappy berry fruit. Fine texture and depth of flavor, with cherry, plum and vanilla. A complete wine with an intense spice element.
— M.S.
(7/1/2005)
Intense and extracted but also well balanced and smooth, with minerality and asphalt on the nose. The palate mixes deep black fruit weight and flavors with snappy acids, and overall this is bright, bullish and full of berry and black cherry along with chocolate. A ripe, satisfying wine for the money.
— M.S.
(5/1/2011)
Opens with tarry, cooked aromas but with airing, oak and ripe, earthy berry notes squeak out. The palate is chewy and solid, with extract and tannic grab as well as smoky, sultry flavors of roasted black fruits and bouillon. Meaty and satisfying.
— M.S.
(8/1/2011)
On the nose, smooth berry aromas turn chocolaty courtesy of the high-toast barrels used. In the mouth, the plump fruit seems up to the oak. There’s raspberry and raisin, and some blueberry, too. For the curious, Altos de Medrano is the winery and hormigas, in Spanish, are ants. Fortunately, I’ve seen no such critters at the winery.
— M.S.
(11/15/2003)
Always a good deal, the 2005 offers mocha, coffee and lemon peel aromas on what can only be called an oaky bouquet. The palate is fairly ripe, a touch hard and tannic, and ultimately not too complicated or heavy. Drink now to experience Malbec's easygoing charms.
— M.S.
(2/1/2007)