Malbec Uncorked: 2015 Bodega Colomé Estate Malbec

“Climb the mountain not to plant your flag, but to embrace the challenge, enjoy the air and behold the view. Climb it so you can see the world, not so the world can see you.” ― David McCullough Jr.

There's something is humbling about the size and scope of mountains; they give you perspective. The initial intimidation as you stand before it, grandiose and awe-inspiring. One of the most humbling aspects of climbing up to the summit is the sense of accomplishment one gets after having climbed one and looking down from where you had come. But ultimately, it's the appreciation of the journey, the exhilaration of the challenge and the opportunity to shut out the noise of the world and connect with the outdoors.

If the wine in today's review is any type of indicator of a trend, then I'm on the bandwagon. In the past [not so long ago really] Malbec from Mendoza have been hit or miss for me, some excellent examples of wines with lively acidity, lovely wild blueberries and dark ripe blackberry flavors, aromas, coupled with its inexpensive price profile. It was a big win/win for the average vino-sapiens in search of 'real' bang for the buck. While on the other end of the spectrum, some were dull and predictable. However, the Malbec wines I've tasted recently, are far better in an overall sense than in previous experiences, the exception is becoming the rule.

In general, there has been plenty of mouth-filling fruit ripeness, a style often found very pleasing to the "California" palate, and that's not always a bad thing. Sometimes you just want a bit of hedonism, I'm guilty of that desire, and I make no apologies for it. Many of us know Malbec has a reputation of providing a very good quality-to-price-ratio, this wine below has it spades. Just one slurp of the 2010 Lauren's Vineyard, from Casarena, has convinced me, that it's possible to once more see authentic, soulful Malbec fill our collective cellars and glasses which that brings a big smile to my face.

In today's review, a fantastic Malbec I received as a sample, vineyard with jaw-dropping views of high-peaks and vineyards  It's said to be one of this region's most famous wine estates in Argentina. Bodega Colomé Estate Malbec, Salta, Argentina is one of Argentina's oldest wineries and also one the highest elevations to be found in the country where (wine-bearing) grapes are growing, giving this wine elegance and foundation for long-term cellaring.

It's argued that this vineyard the highest in elevation in the entire world standing at a staggering 3,111 meters (nearly two miles above sea level). After researching a group their wines (samples), I've discovered the winery was purchased by The Hess Collection in the Napa Valley. No wonder this bottle was a success, much of what Hess does is top notch, even their basic wines are above average across the board.

A brief look back at the history of the area revealed that the Calchaquí Valley was known as the 'Kakan' to the indigenous peoples. For thousands of years, native inhabitants formerly farmed the acreage where the vineyards sit today. Fast forward a few hundred years, the Incas moved in, but then the Spaniards came along and took it from them after ninety years of struggle. The old Colomé winery was founded in 1831, probably by the Spanish governor of Salta, Nicolás Severo de Isasmendi, his daughter, later planted Malbec and Cabernet Sauvignon.

Now fast forward to the eighties, and Raúl Dávalos, a direct descendant of the Isasmendi-Dávalos family, is successful in acquiring the family's old farm in 1982 and kept it for 19 years until the Hess Group purchased it in 2001. With the Hess fortune behind it, the property was completely updated, including buildings and equipment all of which have been thoroughly modernized. Keep your eye on this producer, and sample many of the other fine wines from their portfolio.

So are you now left wondering, "Um, okay what do you think about this wine?" I'm so glad you asked, In a word, it's quite delectable! Another Malbec that I can recommend to my friends, family, and other interested onlookers gathered around the wine cooler. But those with an overactive sensitivity to any wine over 12% will be easily repulsed by its stated 14.9% abv oh-my. So please look away now.

2016 Bodega Colome Estate Malbec, Salta HAV: In the glass, this wine was deep in appearance, and the core was a ruby red, the rim a deep violet. Clarity wise this wine was, slightly cloudy toward opaque. On the nose, this wine was nicely aromatic, blackberry, blueberries, a vegetal note which quickly burned off, just a brief whiff of VA, which also burned off, spice and mint.

The taste dry, the acidity was balanced, the body was a medium plus, and the tannin was a chewy medium plus. On the palate is where this wine shined, blackberry compote, espresso, tar, cigar box, pencil shaving, and gravel. The finish was long and lasting.

This wine would benefit significantly from further bottle aging, and if opened early, it should be well decanted to unlock its aromas and flavors fully. By far the best wine of the evening and the best wine uncorked in the wines of the southern hemisphere class. Highly recommend, I scored this wine 93 points. Decant for best results, pair with a fatty aged ribeye and enjoy the hell outa wine, that doesn't cost an arm and a leg. This wine is stupid good for under $25 and will evolve nicely if left for a few years, but as I said, it's drinking well now for those who simply have no patience and no real cellar for it to rest in.

Do you desire or want #wine advice from the ‘real’ world? #StayTuned If not turn the channel to grab the latest #wine su·per·la·tives from a variety of the wine-chattering class. That said, on this blog, my opinions are my own and I above all else I #KeepItReal. Until next time folks remember, sip long and prosper cheers!

Full Disclosure: Reviewed wines are (typically) from media samples provided solely (not for sale) for the review process.

All original content: Including text and photographs remain the copyright of the author, (W.R. Eyer) except where otherwise noted or absent the watermark.