Winemaker Notes
Blend: 85% Malbec, 15% Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, and Petit Verdot.
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
Intense aromas of dark fruits, meat, light salt and spice character. Full body, round and firm tannins and a savory, flavorful aftertaste.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2012 Malbec Estate is a blend of the three Malbecs sold separately as Lote Especial differentiating altitude and location, and it's approximately 5% from Cafayate which adds ripeness and roundness, with the backbone being from Colomé and representing some 70% of the blend and 25% of El Arenal. From this vintage the style and the varietal blend has changed to 100% Malbec (it used to have Tannat, Cabernet and Petit Verdot in the past) and the style is influenced because the El Arenal vineyard is increasing its production and adds freshness and tannic structure, so there is no need for the other varietals. The aging is longer than that of the separate components, but there is only 10% new oak. The very showy, open and aromatic nose is very balsamic and spicy with aromas of wild herbs, especially thyme, juicy blueberries and violets. This is a ripe Malbec with good depth, concentration and balance. Soft, but with grip that is chewy and juicy. Rating: 91+.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
The Salta region in northern Argentina is home to world’s highest vineyards. Near the town of Payogasta, the Colomé Altura Máxima vineyard is planted at 10,206 feet in elevation.
Salta is part of the Calchaquí Valley, which benefits from more than 300 days of sun per year, subjecting its vines to considerable ultraviolet radiation. The valley experiences strong high altitude winds, even in the “lower” vineyards, which are planted at 5,413 feet. Because of these elevations and resulting extreme conditions, vines produce lower yields and thicker-skinned grapes, resulting in concentrated, aromatic and well-structured wines.
In a truly unique region, the highly aromatic variety, Torrontes, thrives; intense sun exposure allows full ripening, while cooling winds maintain the grapes’ acidity levels and phenolic balance.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, and, particularly, Tannat have the most potential among reds.
Upscale hotels, beautiful colonial architecture, a majestic Andean backdrop and impressive food and wine make the area attractive among tourists as well.
Salta is the fourth most important Argentine wine-producing region after Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja. Its oldest vineyards were planted in 1862.