2018 Colome Autentico Malbec

‘Auténtico’ was first produced in 2008 as a tribute to the pioneers who established the estate vineyard and winery in 1831 and to Donald Hess, who purchased Bodega Colomé in 2001, investing hugely and transforming the vineyards, winery and Colomé village itself. The fruit is sourced mainly from centenarian vineyards at 2,300 metres above sea level in the Upper Calchaquí Valley, at higher elevations, with greater exposure to the sun, sustainable farming practices and traditional winemaking techniques, and no oak influence. Intensely dark purple so that the core is black and only the rim shows the purple colour. Gorgeously seductive and concentrated aroma of smoky, almost tarry black fruit with very little fruit sweetness in the aroma, which makes it extremely tantalising. As it opens, there is an extremely subtle floral note, hinting at violets. On the palate, the fruit is sweeter, richer and riper but it is just all pure dark berries and a dark charry savour even though there is no oak. The tannins are firm and compact but smooth as can be at this young stage in its evolution. Dry and refined in texture, though it is a big and powerful wine with impressive length. I love the absence of oak here. Needs time in bottle to show its complexity and to become even more refined. (JH)

The raw and primary 2018 Auténtico Malbec shows the wilderness of the northern vineyards, dark, concentrated, juicy and full of wild herbs, flower and berry aromas, really showy and impressive. This is a pure expression of the grape following the Dávalos (previous owners of Colomé) tradition of unoaked wines. This matured in tank for ten months and a further ten months in bottle. I love this wine. 67,000 bottles produced.

Bright ruby. Pungent, high-toned aromas of blackberry, minerals and licorice. Thick and mouthfilling but leavened by terrific penetrating acidity. The dark berry, wild herb, licorice and chalky mineral flavors are complemented by a chocolatey ripeness. Sweet, plush tannins saturate the entire palate, with the finish displaying explosive length. Very strong, very pure and very smooth; expressive and unique. The Dávalos family, owners of Bodega Tacuil, also owned Colomé before selling the property to Donald Hess in 2001. (this wine, made without any oak contact, represents a tribute to the old RD bottling of Bodega Tacuil)