Altos Las Hormigas, Malbec, “Terroir Valle de Uco”

When I say cru Beaujolais is the greatest “Old World” red value, Argentine Malbec must be considered one of, if not the best, value among “New World” wines. With the lofty and rugged Andean Mountains serving as the backbone for high-altitude vineyards, the dry zonda wind that whips the vines into shape, and terroirs that are built for the hardy Malbec grape, Argentina has everything you could want in a value-driven red.Malbec, however, is sometimes caught between a rock and a hard place. From its origins in Cahors, France, underperforming wines can smell like a dirtball full of tart and savory funk, while the ones from Mendoza can be heavy-handed, jammy, and hot, as producers look to satisfy the “sweet” American palate. This offering is another Malbec altogether, a harmonious example of what happens when you study the lay of the land and bring together brilliant winemaking minds who champion minimal intervention. At this price, the 2015 “Terroir Valle de Uco” is a must-try—not only is