Altocedro Gran Reserve Malbec 2022

Altocedro Gran Reserve Malbec, La Consulta, Uco Valley, Mendoza, Argentina, 2022

Grape: A blend of 96% Malbec & 4% Semillon (varietals co-fermented), practising organic, certified sustainable, vineyards at 1100 m.a.s.l altitude, ancient 104 year old vines, aged 2 years in new French oak barrels, only 876 bottles made!

Producer Tasting Note:

A rich, complex structure with dynamic smoky oak combining beautifully with very ripe dark berry fruit, fine grained tannins and a serious dry finish.

Critics' Tasting Notes:

"Sourced from old vines planted in La Consulta, Uco Valley, the 2022 Malbec Gran Reserve includes up to 3% Sémillon, a nod to traditional vineyard practices. Aged for 24 months in Burgundy barrels, this concentrated wine offers ripe plum, geranium and hints of ash and rose over a cedar backdrop. Broad and creamy on the palate, with complex layers and a long, intense finish, the old vines shine through in the wine’s concentration and fine tannins."

95/100 points, Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, November 2024

"Karim Mussi's crown jewel comes from very old vineyards, planted more than 100 years ago in the La Consulta area, in the Uco Valley. 100% of the wine was fermented with whole grapes in sealed barrels—they were opened to receive the grapes and then sealed, a very particular method that generates a semi-carbonic maceration. The result is a malbec with tremendous fruit expression, and at the same time, a very soft, juicy texture full of herbal and floral tones. This is a charming wine, captivating from the nose to the end of the palate."

96/100 points, Patricio Tapia - Descorchados, January 2025

"The 2022 Malbec Gran Reserva contains a small amount of Sémillon and was co-fermented over two months in custom Mercurey barrels before being aged 24 months. The nose admirably straddles intense, dark-fruited aromas that mingle with resinous herbs and a gentle, toasty richness that continuously integrates with aeration. The palate offers another degree of density and concentration from the rest of the Altocedro lineup before finishing with a lovely combination of tension, depth and refined tannic grip. This can easily be enjoyed through its 10th birthday."  Drink 2026-2032

94/100 points, Matthew Luczy, Wine Advocate, May 2025

Region: Part of the larger San Carlos district in the southern Uco Valley, La Consulta sits in the shadow of the 5,830m volcano, San José. The vineyards sit at around 1100 m.a.s.l. and the altitude brings hot sunny days and cool nights. Meltwater from the Andes flows through the centre of the region in the Tunuyan River. Add well-drained alluvial soil that forces the vines to grow deep root systems in their search for water and nutrients and you have the perfect environment for high quality Malbec. 

Altocedro, founded in 1998 by third generation Lebanese immigrant, Karim Mussi, pioneered his ‘born and raised’ approach to winemaking in the La Consulta IG of the Uco Valley. From the beginning, he has based his winemaking on three fundamental pillars: innovation, terroir awareness and vineyard sustainability. His obsession to find the most pure fruit, seeking for a unique identity through original old vine rootstocks, has led him to champion terroir-driven concepts across Argentina (Maipu & La Consulta in Mendoza, and in Cafayate, Salta). Internationally recognised as one of the most talented winemakers in Argentina today, Karim continues to go from strength to strength, with leading wine critics falling over themselves to heap praise on these expressive & distinctive wines.

Food Match: Perfect with steak but, because of its savoury edge, try with rich, earthy mushroom dishes and more powerful cheeses