Colomé, El Arenal Single Vineyard Malbec 2019, Calchaqui Valley, Salta, Argentina

Tasting Note: A rich malbec with layers of flavor and black fruit.

Deep-intensity purple in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of black plum, rhubarb, blackberry, boysenberry, dried cherry, chocolate and cassis with hints of vanilla baking spice and leather.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied malbec has medium-plus-intensity, black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, medium tannin.

Hints of tobacco box and smokiness add to the wine’s character.

A solid malbec from a well-known producer.

Bottle Note: This extreme altitude single vineyard wine is a tribute to all those who dare to take the adventurous path, and do what has never been done before. This is what Donald and Ursula Hess did when they planted El Arenal, their first vineyard, at an incredible 2,600 meters above sea level in the Upper Calchaqui Valley. True to its terroir, the seat name literally means sand, where grapes are stressed by the intense sun and refreshed by the cool nights. Sustainably farmed grapes and the magic of El Arenal produce an incredibly sophisticated tannin structure, and result in a supreme balance of fruit, freshness, power, complexity and elegance that only this extreme altitude has to offer. El Arenal single vineyard is the culmination of the dedication, patience and untamable spirit of innovation of Bodega Colomé. Pioneers in farming and crafting fine wines at extreme altitude. Donald Hess, Founder.

This wine was submitted for review.