The 2006 Finca Altamira has a fresh bouquet with notes of red berries, dried orange peel and dried violets that blossoms with aeration, offering up a cheeky eucalyptus note and morphing into a mature Heitz Martha’s Vineyard. The palate is medium-bodied with fleshy ripe tannins. There are layers of slightly earthy red fruit interlaced with ash, white pepper, undergrowth and graphite. I would have preferred a little more length but there is impressive tautness and focus. Drink now-2024. Importer: TGIC Imports, Woodland Hills, CA; tel. (818) 225-5100; and Corney & Barrow (UK)

One of the most untouched, terroir-driven Malbecs made in Argentina is Achaval-Ferrer’s Altamira. It’s harvested about three weeks earlier than most high-end fruit, resulting in core raspberry flavors and a certain redness of character. The wine is unfined and cloudy but still very clear on the palate, with length, power and class. Best from 2009–2012.——M.S.(8/1/2008)—— 92