Colome Estate Malbec 2023

Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years. No need to decant before serving. One of the oldest and highest altitude wineries in Argentina, the remarkable Bodega Colome is tucked away in the Calchaquí Valleys in the desert-like region of Salta in the far north-west of the country. The harsh, arid conditions and elevation make this one of the most unique places to make wine, giving Colome’s stunning Malbec wines a distinctive personality which sets them apart from Argentina’s typical style of red wines. To create this cuvee the winemaking team combine fruit from four different vineyards. The highest is Altura Maxima which sits at 3100 metres above sea level and adds delicate dried violet notes and finely-grained tannins. The lowest vineyard is La Brava at 1700 metres which tends to produce intensely ripe and full-flavoured berries. Following vinification the young wine is aged in French oak barrels for 15 months to fully integrate the different components. Succulent notes of cassis, blackberry and dark cherry dominate on the nose while the first sip reveals a robust full body, smooth yet firm tannins, and a long, complex finish with plenty of spice from the oak. The easy-going nature of this red makes it a great option to enjoy with family and friends alongside a casual dinner of ribs or steak.