Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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James Suckling
A dense and very rich red with blueberry, sliced mushroom and earth character. Full body, yet tight and reserved. Gorgeous to drink now but will improve in the next few years.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The 2013 Malbec Estate has a similar blend of Malbec for the three zones and altitudes (1,700, 2,300 and 2,600 meters) with wines with higher acidity and a stronger tannic structure. It was bottled after 15 months in barrel (15% new), and the oak is nicely integrated. The nose might be a bit shy; there are subtle herbs, wild berries and some spices. Today I give the edge to the 2012 where I see more complexity and depth, even though this 2013 drinks very easily with its freshness. One for the table. 180,000 bottles were produced, a slightly shorter vintage from a cooler year where the selection in the blend was a little stricter.
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Wine Spectator
This bursts with fresh, pure-tasting flavors of raspberry, blackberry and roasted plum, supported by firm acidity and tannins. Notes of slate and black pepper show midpalate, with a finish that offers dark chocolate accents. Drink now through 2020.
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.