Winemaker Notes
This wine is produced from the fruit of Argentina's signature grape, Malbec, with a smaller percentage of Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tannat. Deep red, with purple tinges, this wine offers red fruit aromas of cherries and raspberries, with a subtle hint of vanilla.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Spectator
Dark, with a core of crushed currant and plum fruit laced with black tea, hoisin sauce and a snappy mineral streak. Ripe, but not overblown, with a racy finish that lets sweet earth and licorice snap notes add length. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tannat. Drink now through 2010. 15,000 cases made.
Amalaya is an exquisite representation of the unique weather and soil conditions in Argentina's Northern Calchaqui Valley that also honors the heritage of the indigenous Calchaqui people. The name Amalaya is rooted in the beliefs of the Calchaqui to keep the gods of nature happy and to strive for an equilibrium of forces to assure sustainability over time. The most worshiped goddess is “Pachamama,” or "Mother Earth," who presides over planting and harvesting. The Calchaqui created many rituals and ceremonies to please Pachamama, and would ask the goddess for a miracle. This "hope for a miracle" is called "Amalaya" in the popular indigenous language and is symbolized by the holistic spiral. To respect Pachamama, the winemakers of Amalaya treat all their vineyards sustainably.
Most distinguished and celebrated from Argentina’s Mendoza, Malbec has seen runaway success since the early 2000s. Mendoza’s agreeable, continental climate with hot, dry summers and cold snowy winters allows the perfect conditions for growing outstanding Malbec. This grape is easy to like for its lusty, deep flavors and aromas of blackberry, plum, red cherry, autumn spice and tilled earth. It’s easy to find delicious, fruit-driven, affordable everyday examples and in prices beyond, quite exceptional ones with dense, supple textures that make them capable of aging.
YNGAMALAYA_2007 Item# 101979