Estate Malbec

James Suckling, Mar/2023

2021 -

"A structured and juicy malbec that shows nicely baked, smoky cherries, violets, grilled spices and dried herbs. Quite succulent and vibrant on the tight, full-bodied palate. Full of fruit in the finish. Tannins are firm but digestible. Vegan. Drinkable now, but better from 2025."

Tim Atkin MW, Argentina Special Report 2023

2021 -

"Thibaut Delmotte makes this Salta Malbec with grapes from four different altitudes, producing something that is more than the sum of its parts. Complex, dense and broad shouldered, it has damson and blueberry fruit intensity, scented, spicy oak and plush, palate-caressing tannins."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Nov/2023

2021 -

"The 2021 Malbec Colomé Estate, sourced from multiple vineyards in the Calchaquí Valley, aged for 15 months in barrels (25% new). This dark purple wine presents aromas of blackberry and blueberry, accompanied by chutney and marmalade notes against an oaky backdrop. Rich, intense and juicy, the fairly tannic palate lingers with black fruit-driven flavors. This is a long-lasting and powerful Calchaquí Malbec." - Joaquín Hidalgo

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Nov/2023

2021 -

"The 2021 Malbec Colomé Estate, sourced from multiple vineyards in the Calchaquí Valley, aged for 15 months in barrels (25% new). This dark purple wine presents aromas of blackberry and blueberry, accompanied by chutney and marmalade notes against an oaky backdrop. Rich, intense and juicy, the fairly tannic palate lingers with black fruit-driven flavors. This is a long-lasting and powerful Calchaquí Malbec."

Wine Spectator, Aug/2023

2021 -

"Leads with concentrated aromas and flavors of violet and berries, with a sublayer of loam and cocoa bean. Ends with a tinge of fresh peppercorn and spices around broad tannins. Drink now."

Tim Atkin MW, Argentina Special Report 2022

2020 -

"“Our classic Malbec,” is how Thibaut Delmotte describes this blend of four vineyards at different altitudes - Altura Máxima, Colomé, El Arenal and La Brava. Wonderfully juicy and scented, it’s the perfect introduction to the variety, with intense damson, blueberry and wild thyme flavours, palate-caressing tannins and a tangy finish. 2023-30"

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Sep/2022

2020 -

"The 2020 Malbec Estate from the Calchaquí Valley, Salta was aged for 15 months in a quarter new barrels. A purplish ebony in the glass. The concentrated, intense nose offers notes of fruit jam with plum, spice, chutney and balsamic aromas. In the mouth, it makes a plush entrance with good vigor, a juicy flow, refined, reactive tannins and a bold expression. A balanced but powerful high altitude red, the combination of different vineyards from across the valley makes for a complex profile."

James Suckling, Mar/2022

2020 -

"Fresh herbs, blackberries with some cumin and coffee here. A medium-to full-bodied red, packed with juicy and dense tannins. Drink now."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Nov/2022

2020 -

"The clean, varietal and fruit-driven 2020 Estate Malbec mixes grapes from different terroirs and altitudes where they have vineyards: 1,800, 2,300, 2,600 and 3,111 meters! The wine is ripe at 14.9% alcohol but feels very harmonious and balanced, clean and focused. It matured in French oak barrels, 10% of them new, for 15 months. 280,000 bottles produced. It was bottled in July 2021."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Feb/2021

2019 -

"Colome Estate wines are growing more and more stylish and precise. One of the keys was the addition of an optical grape selector that allows winemakers to discard the dehydrated grapes. The 2019 vintage of the Malbec Estate is thus much fruitier with ripe plum and cherry over balsamic, herbal notes and a touch of sunny Calchaqui syrup. Both concentrated and juicy, the firm tannins sculpt the good volume and keep the energy in check, ensuring that it's merely sprightly in contrast to the booming power of previous vintages. As pure and primary as ever but now with greater elegance."

Tim Atkin MW Best of Argentina Report 2021

2019 -

James Suckling, May/2021

2019 -

"A medium-to full-bodied red with aromas of violets, oyster shell, green olives, salted plums and baked blueberries. Firm, tight-grained tannins and bright acidity. Savory and saline with bitter berries on the finish. Try from 2023."

Robert Parker's Wine Advocate, Mar/2021

2019 -

"The 2019 Estate Malbec mixes grapes from the different altitudes where they have vineyards: 1,800, 2,300, 2,600 and 3,111 meters! It's ripe at 14.9% alcohol, perhaps because of the heat wave in March, and the wine is primary and a bit heady, with varietal notes of decayed violets, raspberries and some spice. It has abundant, slightly grainy tannins and a dry finish. 280,000 bottles produced."

Tom Firth, Culinaire Magazine, Jun/2022

2019 -

"Malbec lovers take note, this is one of my favourite Argentinean producers, and a top shelf malbec for enthusiastic fans of this wonderful grape. Very dark in the glass with a deep, earthy aroma of dried herbal characters, smoke and rich loamy soil, but also a ripe black plum fruitiness. Lush and full of berry fruits on the palate with a huge tannin presence. A nice glass on its own, but better with that big, protein-rich dinner or special occasion meal."

Tim Atkin MW Best of Argentina Report 2020

2018 -

James Suckling, Apr/2020

2018 -

"Lots of concentration here. This is packed with dense, ripe black cherries, damsons and iodine. Floral and spicy accents, too. Full-bodied, very big and dense with a tannin structure of grandeur. Yet, there’s no lack of mid-palate detail. Lay it down in your cellar. Better after 2023."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Oct/2020

2018 -

"A Calchaqui Malbec made from grapes from four vineyards owned by the winery, aged for 15 months in French barrels, 25% of them new. Dark purple in color. The nose delivers notes of plum and mountain herbs plus blackberry and hints of spice. Intense and concentrated, the palate has unusual power, featuring polished, active tannins that lend a rugged texture. Finishes with a whiff of wood and fruit. A red that exemplifies a segment of the Argentine market."

Wine Enthusiast, Oct/2021

2018 -

Wine Enthusiast's Top 100 Wines of 2021. "In this wine, a saturated dark color and potent aromas of blackberry, prune and grainy oak lead to a deeply layered palate that's lush and dense. Herbal blackberry, cassis and chocolate flavors are fully ripe, while this Malbec holds onto its packed-fruit character on a long finish with a touch of heat. Drink through 2025."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2020

2018 -

"Elegant nose of pure plums, dried tomato, paprika and damson. Quite dense with well-integrated oak, ripe fine-grained tannins."

Descorchados, 2021

2018 -

"This is from a combination of vineyards that Colomé owns at different altitudes in the valley, from Finca La Brava at 1,700 meters, to Altura Máxima at more than 3,100 meters. It's a dense red with succulent and ripe black fruit, spicy flavors, and the rough, hard texture of a wine born under the intense sun of Colomé."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2019

2017 -

"Another good example of the fresh Salta style, with a lot of dark fruit and elevated concentration, but also firm tannins and refreshing acidity. Finishes lengthily with a flash of spice and graphite."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Sept/2019

2017 -

"Bright, dark medium ruby. Lively aromas and flavors of crushed blackberry, licorice, bitter chocolate and mocha. Densely packed, fine-grained and savory, with its ripe, creamy flavors complicated by a wild gamey quality. As rich, concentrated and deep as this wine is, it's not over the top. This outstanding Malbec finishes ripely tannic and long, with compelling sweetness of fruit. (14.9% alcohol; this wine represents a blend of vineyards and altitudes in Calchaqui Valley; aged for 15 months in a mix of one- to ten-year-old French barriques)"

James Suckling, Mar/2018

2017 -

“Full of citrus and peach this is a delicious wine that has stacks of fruit. Very fresh acidity and no sharp edges. Mineral finish. Drink now. Screw cap.”

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Oct/2019

2017 -

"The 2017 Estate Malbec was quite primary and young, with the high-altitude intensity of color, aromas and flavors. It's ripe (14.9% alcohol) but nicely balanced, with varietal aromas (violets, raspberries) and integrated oak aromas and flavors. A showy Estate Malbec, a good representation of what the grape can deliver in the high-altitude vineyards of Salta."

Wine Spectator, Dec/2019

2017 -

"The burnished dried red currant, roasted plum and roast beef flavors show a savory essence. Taut midpalate, with a finish that offers bracing minerality. Drink now through 2024. 22,600 cases made, 15,000 cases imported."

James Suckling, Apr/2018

2016 -

"Brimming with blueberry, violet and bitter chocolate notes, this is an extravagant yet very fresh and well-structured expression of Salta malbec. If you can give it until 2020, then the bold, dry tannins will soften and may make it more elegant."

Robert Parker’s The Wine Advocate, Jun/2018

2016 -

 “The 2016 Malbec Estate is a blend of grapes from their four terroirs at 1,750, 2,300, 2,700 and 3,111 meters in altitude. It fermented with indigenous yeasts and matured for 18 months in French oak barrels, 10% of them new. All Salta wines have intensity and ripeness, and this is no exception. But the challenge is to find elegance and balance, which this one does nicely within its XL style. It is dark and heady yet harmonious. 180,000 bottles produced.”

Decanter World Wine Awards 2018

2016 -

"Beautifully lifted violets, with opulent sweet ripe black fruits, firm, juicy tannins and a lovely toasted oak character."

Antonio Galloni’s Vinous, Jul/2018

2016 -

"Bright full ruby. Aromas of black cherry, dark raspberry and licorice, plus oak notes of mocha, espresso and chocolate. Densely packed and chewy if bit less complex and deep than the 2016 Autentico, with black cherry and chocolate flavors dominating. Here the tannins are more apparent as there’s a bit less buffering material."

Decanter, Oct/2018

2016 -

"Intense black fruit, with lovely herbal aromas. The palate is well balanced, with noticeable but ripe tannins. A long and persistent finish. Patricio Tapia: This wine has a generous layer of red fruits, that are both refreshing and deep. Great value to be found here. Drinking Window 2018 - 2020"

Wine Spectator, Dec/2017

2015 -

#18 Top 100 Wines of 2017    "Refined and rich-tasting, with effusive minerality to the red berry and cherry flavors, lathered with plenty of creamy accents. Pepper and cigar box notes show on the long and complex finish. Drink now through 2022. 27,300 cases made."

Gismondi on Wine, May/2018

2015 -

"Colome has been making wine in the Upper Calchaqui Valley, Salta since 1831. Growing sustainably farmed malbec in a desert at high elevation is no easy task, but they seem to do it with ease. The 2015 is one hundred percent malbec aged in French oak, of which only 20 percent is new. The fruit is precise and chiselled with blackberries, cherries and blackcurrants and an attractive strong mineral floral undercurrent. Seriously excellent value and a perfect match for a T-bone. The flagship house wine is a mix of four estate vineyards: La Brava Vineyard (1700m) is known for intense ripe fruit; The Colome Vineyard (2300m) adds complexity and weight; The El Arenal Vineyard (2700m) is all about freshness and elegance; while the Altura Maxima at a stunning 3100m (the highest vineyard in the world) adds the floral and mineral notes."

Antonio Galloni's Vinous, Jul/2017

2014 -

"(14.9% alcohol; from vineyards at 1,700, 2,300, 2,700 and 3,100 meters above sea level): Bright medium ruby. Deep aromas of black cherry, blackcurrant, espresso, minerals and bitter chocolate complicated by a whiff of nutty oak. Silky, glossy and pliant wine but not fat or over the top. There's a captivating medicinal reserve and restrained sweetness to the black fruit and menthol flavors. A step up on the 2013 release in energy and shape--and not gamey! This lovely, juicy midweight has a texture more like a Bordeaux than an Argentine Malbec, but then it's from very high-altitude vineyards. Finishes with suave tannins and noteworthy lift."

Gismondi On Wine, Sept/2017

2014 -

"Colomé has been making wine in the Upper Calchaqui Valley, Salta since 1831. Growing sustainably farmed malbec in a high elevation desert is no easy task. The flagship house wine is a mix of four estate vineyards: La Brava Vineyard (1700m) is known for intense ripe fruit. The Colomé Vineyard (2300m) adds complexity and weight. The El Arenal Vineyard (2700m) is all about freshness and elegance while the Altura Máxima at a stunning 3100m (the highest vineyard in the world) adds the floral and mineral notes. The blend itself is an 85/15 mix of malbec with tannat, cabernet sauvignon and petite verdot aged in French oak, of which only 20 percent is new. Precise, clean, bright, with blackberries, cherries, blackcurrants and raspberries. All of it is checked by a strong mineral floral undercurrent. How good is this wine? Good enough to not be sold in government stores. A T-bone steak is the match.”

Wine Spectator, Nov/2017

2014 -

"Offers zesty flavors redolent of kirsch, raspberry ganache, red currant and crushed red plum, with concentrated minerality midpalate."

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Dec/2016

2014 -

"The 2014 Malbec Estate is a blend of grapes from the four zones and altitudes, 1,800, 2,300 and 2,600 meters and some 5% of grapes from the Altura Maxima vineyard at 3,111 meters. It fermented with indigenous yeasts, underwent malolactic in barrel and 18 months elevage in a combination of used and newer barrels. Winemaker Thibaut Delmotte thinks 2014 is, together with 2008, the most balanced harvest he has seen since he arrived there in 2005. These wines are always very dark colored, almost opaque, and this has a complex nose because it gets different characteristics from the grapes harvested at different altitudes the lower ones provide body, and the higher ones add elegance, freshness and minerality. It's heady and aromatic mixing morello cherries with decayed violets, a touch of tar and smoke and some spices. The palate is soft, with very round tannins and juicy flavors, terribly engaging. It has a very tasty, umami-driven finish. Drink this at 15 degrees Celsius. 240,000 bottles produced."

Decanter World Wine Awards 2017

2014 -

 “Intense aromas of blueberries, dark cherries, blackberries and violets. The palate is juicy with round tannins and a soft texture. Quite long and opulent.”

Sara d'Amato, Wine Align, Jan/2017

2013 -

“It is a good thing that Colomé can come to you because at over 3,000 meters in altitude in the arid northern region of Salta in Argentina, a visit is a full day trek from the base camp of Cafayate. A dry, savory malbec with tannins that are wonderfully ripe – still offering grip on the palate but are they are not drying or astringent. At this altitude, the level of UV is apt to produce deep colour in grapes as the skins thicken to protect the grapes. Rich and luxurious, this malbec offers acidity and texture to balance the opulence. It is still well-defined with a lightly earthy character along with a touch of iron and graphite to the sophisticated and complex palate. Dynamic with excellent length. Drink now and decant or hold to 2025. Tasted January 2016.”

Robert Parker's The Wine Advocate, Aug/2015

2013 -

"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."