The 2007 Vista Flores Single Vineyard comes from sandy loam and gravel/limestone soils in the Uco Valley and is aged in 200% new Sylvain barriques and bottled after 36 months. As expected, the aromatics are over-burdened by the oak: a pity as there appears to be some lovely fruit underneath. Again, the palate is over-ambitious, the fruit subjugated by the oak so that what could be a superb wine is rendered rather ordinary. Give it a few years to see of that carapace of wood is absorbed by the fruit, but somehow, I doubt it will. Drink 2015-2020. Altos Las Hormigas was founded in 1995 by ex-Antinori winemaker, Alberto Antonini, and entrepreneur Antonio Morescalchi, upon their acquisition of 216-hectares of land in Carrizal de Abajo in Lujan de Cuyo. The focus is upon Malbec, although they do entertain a little Bonarda. This is a prime example of a winery doing everything right, but then succumbing to the notion that they had better lacquer what appears to be some very fine fruit, with a preponderance of toasty new oak. How frustrating. 200% new oak? Please dial it down.Importer: Michael Skurnik Wines, Syosset, NY; tel. (516) 677-9300; fax (516) 677-9301; www.skurnikwines.com; and Liberty Wines (UK).