Jardín de Hormigas Los Amantes Malbec 2021

Robert Parker

The new top-of-the-range 2021 Jardín de Hormigas Los Amantes was produced with organic grapes from plot number 15 in their Jardín Altamira property, 1.2 hectares where there are some 80 centimeters of topsoil rich in silt that gives the balance between meat and bones and then big granite rocks with limestone, the big bones. The big bones require a little more meat, so a little more soil... It fermented with 15% whole clusters and indigenous yeasts and matured in untoasted 3,500-liter French oak foudres for 15 months. It has 13.5% alcohol and keeps very good freshness and balance. This felt very different from the Appellation Altamira (which was also from a different vintage), more aromatic, with lots of flowers, with lots of layers and personality, which is impressive for vines planted in 2017. Place before age... It's balanced and expressive, with very fine tannins and a dry finish. The place even before the variety... It's elegant and ethereal with grip from the chalky tannins. It's impressive how noble the variety is and how the young vines can produce a wine with this depth. SUPER ELEGANT. A great debut! 4,300 bottles were filled in May 2022.

Tim Atkin