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).

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

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