Altosur's wonderful Malbec stands head and shoulders above its competitors in the value-priced red wine category, and their newly-released 2024 is splendid.
At less than $13/bottle, this certified organic, mountain-grown red is sophisticated and nuanced, offering up "grown-up" aromas and flavors at a way-too-low price point. I'd happily put it up against $20+ Malbecs, and I guarantee you it would fare well.
2024 Finca Sophenia 'Altosur' Malbec
High elevation, nuanced and expressive Malbec at a great price!
While 99% of Malbecs in this price range taste like "artificial fruit bombs," the Altosur Malbec stands in stark contrast. It showcases classic Mendoza Malbec aromas of plum, dark berries, violet, and judicious oak, and it's just as pleasing on the palate, with ripe tannin and juicy acidity.
The key to the wine's success is twofold. It's the entry-level Malbec from Finca Sophenia, one of Mendoza's top estates. They own all of their vineyards, they farm them with plenty of TLC, and they use real French oak barrels to age their wines. Trust me, this is not the norm for any red wines in this price range.
Even more importantly, this comes from the Gualtallary section of the region. These cooler and elevated vineyards, some of the highest in the world, allow the grapes to ripen slower and more evenly. This serves to coax out more detailed aromas and flavors, and it also graces the wine with a juicy, mouthwatering acidity that I always find lacking in Malbecs and all red wines in this price range.
It all adds up to a balanced and harmonious red, and it makes sense that it always garners 90+ points from a variety of publications. The 2024 is newly released, and while none of the major trade publications have reviewed it yet, I have, and it's a 91-pointer to my palate.
What more could you ask for in a wine at such a fair price? Take it to your next dinner party and blow your friends away. They'll think you spent $20+, I guarantee it.
