Colome Altura Maxima Malbec 2020

Description Score: 97 pts Tim Atkin | 94 pts James Suckling Colomé Altura Máxima Malbec 2020 is an extraordinary, highly distinctive red wine that stands as a monument to passion, persistence, and the relentless determination of Donald Hess to plant one of the highest vineyards in the world. Sourced from the "Altura Máxima" estate at an extreme altitude of 3,111 meters above sea level in the High Calchaquí Valleys of Salta, Argentina, this 100% Malbec perfectly captures the unique essence of its high-altitude terroir. Under the expert guidance of French winemaker Thibaut Delmotte, who has crafted internationally acclaimed wines for Bodega Colomé since 2005, the grapes are grown sustainably across a limited 25-hectare vineyard with calcareous and granite soils. Aged for 24 months in third and fourth-use French oak barrels, it results in an incredibly rare, limited production of only 34 barrels. "Boasting a remarkably deep and dark color in the glass—a direct result of the thick skins developed by the grapes under intense solar exposure—the nose opens with great complexity and elegance. It reveals intense aromas of dark fruits beautifully integrated with subtle spicy and mineral undertones. On the palate, it displays a robust yet refined tannic structure balanced by a striking freshness and elegance, driven by the extreme diurnal temperature variation of the high-altitude desert. The finish is exceptionally long, structured, and persistent." Technical Sheet Winery: Bodega Colomé Product: Altura Máxima Malbec Type: Red Wine Vintage: 2020 Varietal: Malbec Blend: 100% Malbec Vineyard: Altura Máxima (25 hectares, sustainably cultivated) Soil Type: Calcareous and granite Aging: 24 months in 3rd and 4th-use French oak barrels Winemaker: Thibaut Delmotte Alcohol: 15.5% Total Acidity: 5.8 g/L pH: 3.7 Residual Sugar: 2.9 g/L Production: 34 barrels Altitude: 3,111 m.a.s.l. (10,206 ft) Region: Altos Valles Calchaquíes, Salta Serving Temperature: 16–18°C (61–64°F) Country: Argentina Food Pairing: Grilled ribeye steak (ojo de bife), roasted lamb shoulder, slow-braised venison, traditional thick-cut empanadas salteñas, and intensely aged hard cheeses Aging Potential: 15 years or more