Colomé Malbec Salta Altura Máxima 2013

97 points Luis Gutiérrez (Wine Advocate): "[$125 list] The nose is so spicy and meaty that the best word to describe the first impression is like going into a 'salumeria' in Italy, the shops where they sell their delicious 'salames.' Smelling it just made me hungry, with plenty of savory notes that reminded me of concentrated yeast extract (Marmite or Bovril), terribly spicy and pungent. The vines were planted in 2007, and in 2013 they harvested the grapes slightly earlier than in 2012. The yields are naturally low, as the vines are still finding their balance. The vinification is soft but long, and so is the élevage, extended to two years in well-seasoned neutral barriques. This is really rich and heady, developing layers and layers of aromas and especially a superb texture and a tactile sensation that reminded me of velvet. Floral, with plenty of wild herbs that transported me to the place, this is one of the most distinct and unique Malbecs from Argentina. The Malbec that dreams are made of! I cannot even think what this wine could be like when the vines mature... 6,900 bottles were filled in August 2015 after two years in fourth use French oak barriques. Drink: 2016-2023. (Dec 2016)"

94 points Stephen Tanzer (Vinous): "(14.9% alcohol; from a 2007 planting on granite and calcaire soil at an altitude of 10,200 feet): Bright dark ruby. Aromas of black cherry, licorice and salty minerality show a distinct but subtle note of roasted berries. Plush, rich and deep but not overly sweet, with its very concentrated red and darker berry flavors enlivened by brisk, high-altitude acidity and complicated by a saline quality. Delivers a lovely refined texture without any heaviness. A gripping wine of great distinction and terroir character. With 24 hours in the recorked bottle, this very dense Malbec revealed Syrah-like nuances of charcoal, game and black olive without losing its light touch. Producer notes: "Winemaker Thibaut Delmotte has crafted wines of distinction and international acclaim for Colome. He believes the Malbec from Altura Maxima Vineyard is the embodiment of two extremes - a traditional grape variety from his French origins made from the vineyard that challenges all convention in the modern viticultural world. Drink 2019-2029" (Jul 2017)

Producer notes: "Winemaker Thibaut Delmotte has crafted wines of distinction and international acclaim for Colomé. He believes the Malbec from Altura Maxima Vineyard is the embodiment of two extremes - a traditional grape variety from his French origins made from the vineyard that challenges all convention in the modern viticultural world."