The 2006 Altimus is composed of 45% Malbec, 37% Cabernet Sauvignon, 12% Bonarda and 6% Tannat aged for 18 months in new French oak. It delivers a complex nose of pain grille, pencil lead, mineral, black cherry, and blackberry liqueur. This is followed by a medium to full-bodied, elegant wine with ripe flavors, good depth, and a pure, lingering finish. It will continue to unfold over the next 2-3 years and be at its best from 2010 to 2018. Michel Torino is located in Cafayate, the home of the Torrontes grape, at 5100 feet of elevation. Importer: Frederick Wildman & Sons, New York, NY; tel. 800-RED-WINE; fax (212) 355-4719; www.frederickwildman.com

Weird blend that works. Intense cassis, cherries, leather and leaf notes. Full bodied with lots of tannins, but balanced.

A tough sell at this price. The nose is minty, green and smells of tobacco, spice and fern fronds, while the palate is tangy, clangy in feel and dry. Flavors of semisour, herbal cherry and plum are touched up by sweet oak, but overall it’s rather dry and scouring. ——M.S.(7/1/2010)—— 84