Happy Friday to you all. Today we cover one of the famed properties out of Argentina, Bodega Colome have gained a worldwide reputation for producing very high quality Malbec and Torrontes that overdeliver for the price. Bodega Colome is located in the Calchaqui Valley, 2300 meters (7500 feet) above sea level, in the northwest region of Argentina. Founded in 1831, it is one of the oldest existing wineries in Argentina. In 2001, it was acquired by the Hess Family Estates. The wines are grown in the highest vineyards in the world (7218-10,207 feet above sea level). The high elevation contributes to the tension in the wines as they produce a wine made from the world’s highest altitude vineyard, their ‘Altura Maxima’ Vineyards, planted at an astounding 10,200 feet!
Thibaut Delmotte presides over the winemaking at Colome and has crafted some gorgeous new wines. One of the outstanding Torrontes wines available in the retail market, the 2018 Bodega Colome Torrontes (WWB, 93) has wonderful poise and salinity with a silky motuhfeel. This is an incredible wine made by the talented Thibaut Delmotte. Their 2016 Bodega Colome ‘Estate’ Malbec (WWB, 92) which shows wonderful Malbec character with chocolate and dark fruit tones. This is a killer value for the price. Learn more about these outstanding wines at http://www.bodegacolome.com/homepage/ Here are the great wines by Bodega Colome.
2018 Bodega Colome Torrontes- The 2018 Bodega Colome Torrontes is another outstanding value from this storied property. On the nose this takes on classic salted praline, Pink Grapefruit blossom with ripe peach and lychee aromas that impress in the glass. The palate is both rich and lithe, as this delights the senses with ripe nectarine, green apple, kumquat and lychee flavors. This is quite possibly the finest value Torrontes I have ever sampled. Drink 2019-2025- 93
2017 Bodega Colome ‘Authentico’ Malbec- The ‘Authentico’ Malbec was sourced from 100 year old Malbec vines set at over 7,000 feet. The nose yields a good purity of fruit with blackberry cobbler, and dark cherry that collide with chocolate and coffee ground aromas. The palate is exceedingly plush, giving off a generous mouthfeel and beautiful texture. Black Forest cake, mocha and creme de cassis with blueberry compote flavors all complete this silky Malbec. While enjoyable in its youth, this will continue to evolve well over the next decade. Drink 2019-2029- 92
2016 Bodega Colome ‘Estate’ Malbec- The Bodega Colome ‘Estate’ Malbec was sourced largely from the Colome Estate vineyard as well as from the El Arenal, La Brava and Altura Maxima vineyards. Dark cherry with cigar shavings, mocha and spicebox all connect marvelously on the nose. The palate is both rich and lithe, showing a good combination of fruit weight and tension. Black tea, anise, baking spices and blackberry compote flavors all come together nicely. A long-ager, this beautiful wine will continue to evolve over the next decade or more. Drink 2019-2033- 92
2015 Bodega Colome ‘Altura Maxima’ Malbec- A shining star out of the great Bodega Colome lineup, the ‘Altura Maxima’ was planted 10,200 feet above sea level and is the world’s highest planted estate. The nose takes on beautifully smoky and earthy tones with black tea, anise, dusty terroir and leather aromas all combining brilliantly. The palate is exceedingly refined, showing dark berry, leather, mocha and anise flavors. A strong tension and firm tannins grip this beautiful wine now. I can imagine that the ‘Altura Maxima’ will have an exceedingly long life in the cellar. Try to resist this beautiful wine for at least another year. Drink 2020-2035- 94