Salta isn’t a area most folk instantly affiliate with wine from Argentina. Cuyo appears to dominate the dialog, particularly Mendoza, however the humble territory from the north quietly seems wines simply as partaking that current the nation’s versatile terroir. Colomé is a type of vineyards displaying its Salta roots with delight, and immediately we get the privilege to get pleasure from three of its newest choices in addition to revisit one from the not-too-distant previous.
2021 Colomé Property Malbec – As anticipated that is large on blackberry and crimson fruit however tempered with graphite and lightweight floral notes within the glass. On the palate, spice, oak, and black pepper ultimately encompass the darkish fruit core, serving to assist gentle acidity and massive tannins. The drying end gives fairly a bit of warmth, held collectively by notes of leather-based and darkish cherry, however it by no means turns into monotonous or overbearing. This yr carries on the Property label’s observe document of consistency with out sacrificing complexity and stability and, no matter geography, is definitely the most effective Argentinian Malbecs to be discovered at this value level. A- / $28
2018 Colomé Property Malbec (revisited) – After my first expertise with Colomé Property, I bought a second bottle meant for revisiting in 2022. Time and reminiscence slipped away and judging from the outcomes, I could have let it relaxation a bit too lengthy. Like all Property choices, this one performs the anticipated hits of blackberry, pepper, and oak. Nonetheless, it lacks among the complexity that made the primary bottle of this classic so grand to get pleasure from, with the darkish fruit overpowering the earthier parts all through. Nonetheless a gorgeous bottle, although. A- / $30
2021 Colomé Auténtico Malbec – And now for one thing mildly completely different: A 100% Malbec from Colomé’s finest vineyards, however not like the Property providing, aged 10 months within the tank and 10 months within the bottle. Whereas the Property is a mix of grapes at numerous altitudes and soils, it is a single winery providing. Massive on blackberry upfront with notes of violet, graphite and anise that may be a bit unsteady at first however settles down ultimately. Full flavored on the palate with fig, tobacco leaf and mocha all battling their means by the darkish fruit so as to add some nuance and stability. The end is dry however the tannins and darkish fruit gently fade with out being too abrasive. This one was enjoyable to maintain round for a night in deep winter solitude and reveals simply how elegant and refined a Malbec could be with out an overreliance on oak getting older. A / $42
2023 Colomé Torrontés – And now for one thing fully completely different: a Torrontés. Which isn’t an entire shock, however a welcome one however. Earlier vintages have featured a share of Riesling as a mix, however this yr it’s 100% Torrontés. Extremely fragrant from the onset with notes of grapefruit, jasmine, nectarine and lemon zest working all through. The depth is prevalent all through, proper as much as the prolonged and crisp end the place the natural parts minimize by a bit extra. A pleasant curveball after having fun with the malbecs. B+ / $14
2023 Colomé Torrontés
$14
