Catena Paraje Altamira 2021

Fresh red berries, dried herbs mixed with white pepper, chili chocolate and a hint of cigar box. Dusty tannins on the medium-bodied palate seamlessly unwind and melt into a long, chalky finish. Outstanding quality, but a little more depth would take it to the next level. Delicious now, but can hold, too.

The 2021 Appellation Paraje Altamira Malbec was my favorite from this range of Malbecs from different IGs (Indicación Geograficas, the appellations of Argentina), with freshness, elegance, balance, complexity and nuance. It has moderate 13.4% alcohol and very good freshness and acidity (in parameters and in the mouth), and it's clean, precise and ethereal with lots of energy. It is expressive and floral, varietal and with the full chalky texture that is a distinct characteristic of Altamira. It has polished tannins and finished tasty and long. 72,000 bottles were filled in November 2021.