Colomé Malbec
Colomé Malbec
Malbec (85%),
Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Petit Verdot (15%)
Argentina
2009
Winemaker Notes
This variety of Malbec originally comes from France. In many parts of the world it is known as “the black grape” because of the bright inky purple tone it presents in its youth. In Argentina, Malbec has arisen to great prominence. It is the red variety that has best adapted to the country’s soil since it found in it the ideal ecological conditions for its growth and development, producing exceptional wines.
Higher altitude terroirs produce Malbec wines with perfect acidity, intense colour and sweet abundant tannins, which are suitable for barrel aging. In lower-altitude areas, Malbec wines are less concentrated and ripen faster.
Malbec’s aromas evoke cherries, strawberries or plums. In some cases and depending on when the grapes have been harvested, it may be reminiscent of cooked fruit (for example, marmalade). In the mouth, Malbec is warm, soft and sweet, with no-aggressive tannins. Malbec is also a versatile variety since it can produce fruity, light and easy to drink wines for daily occasions and also wines of great complexity and structure that could be kept for years.
Founded in 1831, Bodega Colomé is one of the oldest wineries in Argentina. In 2001, it was bought by Donald Hess, whose vision was to produce terroir-driven wines at the highest elevations in the world. The vines are located in the Upper Calchaquí Valley in North-Western Argentina.
Color: Deep, dark red with magenta hue.
Aromas: Pure nose offers blackberry, licorice, violet, bitter chocolate, floral and mineral notes.
Taste: Lush and rich with layered fig paste, plums, cassis and blackberry fruit. Subtle French oak flavors are well balanced and fully integrated through the mid-palate and well into the finish, which is long and round.
Aging: 15 months in French Oak (20% new).
WineChump Notes
We’ve been sampling Malbecs from 2009, and they’re exceptional. 2009 must have been a banner year for Malbec in Argentina, and this one (along with our favorite “Pretty” Malbec) is no exception. The Colome presents a great structure and a wonderful balance of nose and finish. Excellent for any occasion, but best served with red meat.
“Colome’s Estate Malbec is annually one of Argentina’s better values. The 2009 Estate Malbec (85%) contains small amounts of Tannat, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Syrah in its blend. It spent 15 months in barrel, 30% new American, the balance second-use French with the fruit sourced from some of the world’s most elevated vineyards. It is purple in color with a captivating nose of cedar, Asian spices, incense, violets, black licorice, espresso, and assorted back fruits. Made in a racy style with uplifting acidity, it is a beautifully proportioned offering with exceptional elegance and length. Give it several more years of cellaring and drink this fantastic value from 2013 to 2024.”
92 points
The Wine Advocate (December 2011)
“Offers good density to the blueberry, raspberry and blackberry coulis flavors that are backed by vibrant acidity. Floral and mineral notes play out on the long, tangy finish. Drink now through 2014. 8,000 cases imported.”
90 points
Wine Spectator (November 15, 2011)
Average Price: $25