Bodega Altupalka, Altupalka Malbec, Salta, Argentina, 2013

A relatively new bodega in Salta province, since 2007 Altupalka has farmed high altitude, high density vineyards. The result is a genuinely distinctive terroir-driven wine displaying impressive purity and perfume. The fruit is a blend of two Malbec plots from Molinos (2590 metres) and Cafayete (1750m metres), exhibiting a vital freshness, firm but not aggressive tannins, and sweet blackberry and black cherry fruit. The wine is completely unoaked and there’s good balance here despite the well-hidden 15.5% alcohol. Classy and long.