The 2006 Malbec Grand Reserve was aged for 12 months in French oak, 50% new. The color is a saturated purple and the nose gives up aromas of wood smoke, mineral, blueberry, and black raspberry. On the palate, this medium to full-bodied wine has enough structure to evolve for 3-5 years, excellent depth, savory flavors, and a long, pure finish. Drink it from 2011 to 2021. Alta Vista is owned by the d’Aulan family. The estate is located in Chacras de Coria, just south of Mendoza City and contains 397 acres.Importer: Banville & Jones Wine Merchants, New York, NY; tel. (212) 268-0906

Dark and saturated to the eye, and powerful on the nose. In the mouth, the flavors of raspberry and plum are solid, while overall the wine is full and stocky but short on complexity and uniqueness. Well executed but highly regular for an upper-shelf Malbec.——M.S.(2/1/2010)—— 87