Colome Altura Maxima Malbec 2017

“Made with grapes from one of the highest vineyards in the world (3,111 meters) that spend 24 months in used French wood. The cold and high-altitude sun work together to create an outstanding red. Bright, intense violet in the glass. The nose offers sour cherry and acidic fruit, intense violets and a herbal character in which thyme is prominent. In the mouth, the alcohol gives delivers an energetic kick counterbalanced by the heightened freshness. A juicy, firm and potent red like no other on the market. Drinking window: 2020-2032. 94 points

Colomé is a seemingly impossible winery made real. Set on a mountainous outcrop, Donald Hess’ dream is founded in grapes grown in the high-altitude sun under the watchful eye of oenologist Thibaut Delmotte (who has returned after a year’s sabbatical). Specialists in managing the concentration that comes with the Salta terroirs, they use grapes from different vineyards in the Calchaquí Valleys, from Altura Máxima, planted at 3,100 meters above sea level, down to San Isidro, at a mere 1,700 meters. An important note: in 2019 the hotel reopened, and it is now very much a highlight of the local tourism scene.”

Joaquin Hidalgo, Vinous (10/20)