Amalaya Malbec

The Province, Dec/2024

2023 -

"...generally speaking, gregarious Malbec manages broad appeal. Admittedly to a fault at times, with too much oomph and fruit and not enough structure and pizzazz. Which is where Amalaya’s generous yet complex Malbec comes in; it will sate a crowd while engaging serious wine types. The high elevation vineyards no doubt play a part, this punchy red hails from vineyards nearly 1,800 metres in elevation in the arid Salta region of northwest Argentina. It’s plush and perfumed, fruity yet savoury, tense yet balanced. In short, it’s a delicious study of contrasts." - James Nevison

Descorchados, 2025

2023 -

Decanter World Wine Awards 2024

2023 -

"Meaty on the nose, with aromas of dark plums and cherries. Nice freshness on the palate."

Gismondi on Wine, Feb/2025

2023 -

"This malbec-dominant blend (with 10% tannat and 5% petit verdot) comes from the high-altitude Calchaquí Valley in Salta, sitting at 1,800 metres above sea level. Pouring a deep purple hue, it opens with youthful aromas of violets and fresh herbs over a base of plum and blueberry, layered with a hint of savoury spice and black pepper. Bright acidity lifts the ripe, succulent, yet well-defined fruit, while fine-grained tannins provide structure. Despite its 14% ABV, it remains remarkably fresh and balanced. ...it delivers excellent value." - HJ Cha

Decanter World Wine Awards 2023

2022 -

"Slightly gamey nose of ripe red fruit and liquorice, with notes of black olives. Firm tannins, opulent, with a savoury finish."

James Suckling, Mar/2023

2022 -

"A very floral and brambly nose with some dark cherries and fresh herbs. Fresh and pristine on the fleshy and fruity palate with a medium to full body and silky tannins. Juicy and fruit-driven in the medium-length finish, showing innate beauty of the fruit. 85% malbec, 10% tannat and 5% petit verdot. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap."

Tim Atkin MW, Argentina 2023 Special Report

2022 -

"Amalaya Malbec is always a really good drink, using four different picking dates and the addition of 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot for layers of complexity. Spicy, savoury and plush, with gentle oak, black cherry and bramble fruit and chalky minerality. 2023-27."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Nov/2023

2022 -

"The 2022 Malbec, blended with 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot from Calchaquí Valley, was aged in 25% used barrels. Purple in hue, it emanates a ripe nose with blackberry and pink peppercorn notes, intertwined with a soft leafy character and a layer of spiced chutney. Indulgent and rich, the taut, fairly rough tannins lead to a persistent, spicy finish. This is a ripe high-altitude red."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2022

2021 -

"Opulent and inviting aromatics, with pretty rose petal, heady sandalwood and plush blueberry on the nose, while the palate is laced with lush plum, a zippy acidity and velvety smooth tannins."

James Suckling, Mar/2022

2021 -

"Violets, fresh blackberries and blueberries and white pepper. A little herbal but savory on the palate with dense, nicely chewy tannins. 85% malbec, 10% tannat and 5% petit verdot. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap."

Tim Atkin MW, Argentina Special Report 2022

2021 -

"It says Malbec on the label, but this lightly wooded red also includes 15% of perfectly legal Tannat and Petit Verdot. Earlier picked for freshness, it’s sappy and textured, showing plum and blackberry fruit, a waft of violet and refreshing acidity. 2023-28"

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Nov/2022

2021 -

"The dark red 2021 Malbec is young, primary and fresh, with ripe fruit and nice balance. It is varietal and has notes of violets and small berries and a touch of herbs. It's medium-bodied with medium ripeness and moderate alcohol, 13.9%. In reality, it's not 100% Malbec, as it contains 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot. A serious red for very little money."

Gismondi on Wine, Apr/2024

2021 -

"...It's light and juicy, with fresh brambles alongside game, chocolate, and violet. There's depth here without trying to be something it's not, expressing the high elevation freshness of Amalaya's vineyards at 1800m. Serve lightly chilled, with asado, of course..." - Geoffrey Moss MW

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Dec/2020

2020 -

"The 2020 Amalaya, 100% Malbec from Calchaquí, combines grapes from different places to enhance its complexity. I tried it during bottling and it’s in line with the character of the brand. The nose is fruity with fresh plums to the fore followed by hints of herb and pyrazine as well as a pleasant touch of mint. Indulgent at the tip of the tongue, the active tannins and grip keep it in check while the juicy freshness maintains the energy. A wine of intense flavor."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2021

2020 -

"Focused and vibrant nose of blackcurrant, leather, polish and damson notes. Pleasant palate with fine-grained tannins and oaky spices."

James Suckling, May/2021

2020 -

"Violets, currants, blueberries, pepper and orange peel on the nose. It’s medium-bodied with sleek tannins and bright acidity. Fresh, juicy and bouncy."

Decanter, Mar/2022

2020 -

"Ripe nose of cassis, blackberry, liquorice, dried herbs and sweet spices. Juicy palate, mouth-filling, dense and plush. Round tannins."

Gismondi on Wine, Apr/2022

2020 -

"The easy-to-spot blue label is the go sign if you like buying quality wine at a bargain price. Amalaya, under screwcap, is an alluring mix of red and black fruits with a dusty, stony, mineral underside. Wonderfully dry and fresh, the palate is juicy and round, and the tannins light but structured. The esperanza por un milagro (waiting for a miracle) Amalaya is grown at some of the world's highest vineyards topping 1800 meters. It is mostly malbec mixed with 15 percent tannat and petit verdot. It remains an absolute bargain... Back up the truck."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Mar/2021

2020 -

"I love the ultra young and fleshy 2020 Malbec that in reality contains 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot. It's ripe without excess and was bottled after one-fourth of the volume spent eight months in oak barrels. So, the effect of the oak is not noticeable in the aromas or flavors, and the wine comes through as fruit-driven and juicy while still keeping the varietal profile."

Tom Firth, Culinaire Magazine, Apr/2023

2020 -

"We don’t see too many Malbecs from Argentina’s northern Salta region, but hopefully this will change as the region becomes better known to us. Dense berry fruits lead off on the nose with a mild jamminess, but also a fine-edged floral character that is very welcome. Big, chewy tannins and a mouth-filling flavour profile, this is an all-star for the next barbecue."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2020

2019 -

Platinum Medal "85% Malbec, 10% Tannat, 5% Petit Verdot. Perfumed attractive nose with layers of spice, crunchy strawberries, ripe red plums and fresh violets. Vibrant on the palate with a lovely freshness in harmony with a dense chocolatey character, ending in an elegant spicy finish."

James Suckling, Apr/2020

2019 -

"A dusty, chewy red with plenty of tannins and blackberry and smoky flavor. It’s full-bodied and very flavorful. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

Tim Atkin MW Best of Argentina Report 2020

2019 -

Mundus Vini 2020

2019 -

Gold Medal

Ben Sigurdson, Winnipeg Free Press, Feb/2021

2019 -

"Originally from France's Bordeaux region and typically used as a minor grape in red blends, Malbec has been embraced by Argentine producers, who continue to move the grape beyond simple jammy fruit bombs. The Amalaya 2019 Malbec (Calchaqui Valley/Salta, Argentina - $19.99, Liquor Marts and beyond) is a fantastic example; with fruit sourced from high-altitude vineyards, this Malbec delivers core aromas of blackcurrant and plum, with striking notes of violet, smoke and dark chocolate. On the full-bodied palate the beautiful blueberry, plum and tart blackcurrant flavours work wonders with white pepper, dark chocolate and subtle herbal notes that come through, with fine tannins and a splash of acidity on the finish. Offering muscle and elegance, it’s not just a fantastic example of Malbec, but just an excellent wine overall - it's easy to see why this stunner was awarded a whopping 97 points at the Decanter World Wine Awards. 5/5"

James Suckling, Mar/2019

2018 -

"A bold, fruit-driven malbec with a lot of blueberry and forest-berry aromas and full, soft tannins that keep the generous body in check. Quite polished finish. Screw cap."

Tim Atkin, Argentina Special Report 2019

2018 -

"Amalaya sources this wine from its Finca Las Mercedes in the Calchaqui Valleys, combining Malbec with 7.5% Tannat and 2.5% Petit Verdot. Richly coloured, juicy and aromatic, with just a touch of oak and supple, caressing tannins."

Wine Enthusiast, Jul/2020

2018 -

"Herbal black fruit aromas are touched up by notes of earthy spice and cured meat. A prodding palate is both solid and tannic, while this Salta Malbec tastes of blackberry, dark plum, herbs and spices. A lush finish is equally stout, and overall you won't find much fault in this."

Gismondi on Wine, Jun/2020

2018 -

"It's been a while since we have seen this wine, but I would reach for it in any store without hesitation. Now perfected under screwcap, it smells like it tastes: stony, mineral, dusty with an inviting black cherry, tobacco, black pepper, savoury palate flecked with orange peel and espresso. Wonderfully dry and fresh, the palate is round and juicy, and the tannins light but structured. Steak or a Tuscan pizza would suit. The Milagro, waiting for a miracle, Amalaya is grown at some of the highest vineyards (1800 meters) in the world. It is mostly malbec mixed with 15 percent cabernet sauvignon, syrah, and tannat, and it is a bargain at $21.99."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Sept/2019

2018 -

"Bright medium ruby. Aromas of blackberry and licorice are lifted by savory minerality and a note of black pepper. Then surprisingly supple and chewy on the palate for its gentle price but with the black pepper element ensuring inner-mouth energy. Finishes salty, tactile and gripping. An excellent value for drinking over the next few years."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2018

2017 -

"Intensely perfumed blossom, cranberries, and chocolate cherries carrying through to the palate. Big, juicy tannins and a fleshy, ripe texture."

Tim Atkin MW, 2018 Report: Best of Argentina

2017 -

"Thibaut Delmotte picks the Malbec that makes up 85% of this wine (complemented by 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot) in three different stages for balance. Lightly wooded, it’s a perfumed, red fruited style with some baking spice notes. 2020-24."

James Suckling, Apr/2018

2017 -

“Violet extract, granite, oyster shell, nutmeg and pepper. Full body, juicy, grainy tannins and a fruity finish. Drink now.”

Decanter Magazine, Sept/2018

2017 -

"A blend of 85% Malbec, 10% Tannat, 5% Petit Verdot. A refreshing expression, layers of pure cherry flavours and notes of spices and violets. The texture is tender and creamy, with a cleansing acidity."

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous, Jul/2018

2017 -

"Bright, dark red. Cool, penetrating aromas of black cherry, licorice, menthol, violet and herbs. At once sweet and penetrating, offering noteworthy precision and inner-mouth floral lift. A lovely, pure entry-level Malbec with no shortage of density or concentration, this juicy midweight finishes with firm but suave tannins and sneaky length."

Tim Atkin MW, Argentina Special Report 2017

2016 -

Wine Spectator, Dec/2017

2016 -

Top 100 Value Wines of 2017   "A creamy and lush-tasting red, with vibrant crushed red fruit flavors. The peppery finish has good cut and length, showing plenty of juiciness. Drink now through 2020. 55,000 cases made."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2017

2016 -

"A rich, inky and very dense wine with lots of bramble compote and spiced oak flavours and big, ripe tannins. A second glass, please."

Decanter Magazine, Jan/2018

2016 -

"This wonderful label has a knack of translating the breathless altitude, rugged landscape and fierce sun of the Calchaquí Valley into intense yet balanced wines. Tons of roasted dark fruit, with hints of coffee and chocolate. Intense, grounded and long."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2016

2015 -

"Impressive purity of perfumed fruits, with blackcurrants, boysenberries, cherries, plums and leafy notes. Very expressive mouth, full, juicy and fresh with polished fine tannins, high structure and pure black fruits. Refined, distinctive with a lovely personality."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Dec/2016

2015 -

"The entry-level wine is called 2015 Malbec, even if it still has some 10% Tannat and 5% Syrah in the blend. 2015 saw 140 liters of rain, healthy grapes and good levels of acidity. The grapes come from seven-year-old vines that yielded 9,000 kilos per hectare, 100% from estate grapes. The grapes fermented with neutral yeasts after a four-day cold soak with a total maceration of some 20 days. 25% of the volume matured in used French oak barrels for ten months, while the rest was kept in stainless steel with fine lees. There is a smoky character that I believe comes from the skin of the grapes, which have a high impact from the sun-as with the higher altitude, the rays are much stronger and make grapes develop thicker skins. It made me think of a red from the Northern Rhone, mixing violets, bacon fat and great spiciness. They have replaced Cabernet by Tannat, and I think it has helped remove the herbal aromas and given more character to the blend. The palate is medium-bodied with great freshness and intensity, terribly tasty. This is so easy to drink, it can be dangerous! One to buy by the case, and great for by-the-glass. 695,000 bottles produced."

Wine Spectator, Nov/2016

2015 -

Top 100 Value Wines 2016 "A fleshy red, with concentrated blackberry and dried blueberry flavors supported by fresh acidity. Mineral and dark chocolate notes linger with hints of white pepper on the finish. Drink now through 2020. 50,000 cases made."