Los Clop Paraje Altamira Reserva Malbec 2023 (Argentina) - Wine Review

Tonight's red wine review is a lovely Malbec from the high-altitude region of Paraje Altamira within the Uco Valley of Mendoza, Argentina. It is brand new to the LCBO, arriving both in-store and online in last weekend's July 18 LCBO VINTAGES New Release Collection.

This Malbec is produced by Clop Wines, a family-run winery whose story begins after José Clop emigrated from Spain to the Mendoza region of Argentina in 1885. José built the Clop family's first winery in 1915, and the business was boosted by his grandson, Don Eraclio Ricardo Clop, in 1991 with a vision to find the best site for the production of premium wines of great depth and unique personality.

In 2002, Ricardo and his sons, Gustavo and Rubén, bought the current winery, not far from the original winery in the district of Fray Luis Beltrán, Department of Maipú, in Mendoza. By 2005, the Clop brothers took on the challenge of producing high-quality wines with the same vision as their father and great-grandfather. In 2007, they began exporting their wines, with the first export to the Island of Mauritius. In 2015, international acclaim arrived as they were awarded Best Argentine Cabernet Sauvignon at the Decanter World Wine Awards.

Today, Clop Wines continues to be run by brothers Gustavo and Rubén. They have decided to invest mostly in the oases where some of Argetina's best vines are grown: Agrelo and Valle de Uco. The structure and architecture of the winery mimics the first wineries in Mendoza and offers a large and convenient space for the reception and processing of grapes. To produce quality wines, Clop Wines combines age-old tradition with innovative, leading-edge technology.

This red wine is crafted with 100% Malbec that was grown in the Paraje Altamira appellation within the department of San Carlos, Uco Valley. The vineyard was planted in 2007 at an altitude of 1,070 metres above sea level on soil that is sandy with stones on the surface and a significant presence of calcareous material lying underneath. The area typically receives only 180 millimetres of rainfall annually, thus the vines are watered via drip irrigation.

To craft this Malbec, the grapes were hand-harvested in the second fortnight of April, and then brought to the winery for cluster and berry selection. The grapes underwent a cold maceration at 6°C for approximately 5 days with constant monitoring and assessment, followed by a traditional fermentation with indigenous yeasts between 26°C and 28°C for 15 days. The wine remained in contact with its skins to enhance mouthfeel and texture, after which it was separated from the skins by pressing. Malolactic fermentation was carried out with indigenous bacteria, followed by 12 months of ageing in new French oak barrels.

The growing season in the 2023 vintage in Argentina was the hottest year recorded since 1961. It was also another roller coaster of a vintage as La Niña left the country in a state of drought, including during the winter months which were unnaturally dry but with some polar influences. Spring frosts in Altamira mildly affected yields, which resulted in fewer berries and contributed to the power of the wines this year. From a very good to outstanding vintage in Altamira that produced minerally and age-worthy wines, let's see how this 2023 Malbec from Paraje Altamira in Argentina is tasting tonight...

Tasting Note:

LOS CLOP PARAJE ALTAMIRA RESERVA MALBEC 2023 - Valle de Uco, Mendoza, Argentina (#49711) (XD) - $22.95
Elegantly well-balanced with a touch of reductive character, this has a lifted, medium-high to highly aromatic nose of violet, floral, peppery oak spice, blackberry, and black cherry, plus touches of stony/earthy minerals. On the dry, medium to medium-full bodied palate it is ripe and well-structured with violet, black & purple fruits, blackberry, and peppery oak spice flavours. Fresh acids are crisp and lively, while the tannins are quite structured and slightly grippy. Nicely textured throughout with purple and black fruits, and violet notes tapering to savoury, stony minerals on the long, gently chalky textured finish. Highly recommended buy! Score: 90+ pts

A few other Clop Wines are available at the LCBO, while the full range can be ordered through their Agent - Churchill Cellars.