The 2006 Malbec Vista Flores Single Vineyard was aged in new French oak for 12 months and in a second set of new oak barrels for 24 months. A glass-coating opaque purple color, it exhibits a brooding bouquet with notes of exotic spices, sandalwood, incense, lavender, black cherry, and blackberry. Dense, layered, and voluptuous with the oak fully integrated, this lengthy effort mandates 5-6 years of cellaring and has a drinking window extending from 2015 to 2021. Altos Las Hormigas’ Malbec Clasico is an annual Best Buy in this journal.Importer: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; fax (516) 677-9301; www.skurnikwines.com

This is showing well with the extra bottle age, boasting a hefty layer of toast that has begun to meld into the dark fig, blueberry and black licorice notes. Plush through the finish, with extra spice and black tea hints. Malbec. Drink now through 2012. 500 cases made.??–JM??Region: Argentina / Mendoza / Uco Valley Select to Add