Amalaya Malbec

Calchaqui Valley, Salta

For centuries, farmers made offerings in hope for a miracle - as Amalaya translates in the local language - for a bountiful harvest.

It is located at 5,900 feet above sea level, in the Calchaquí Valley, northwest of Argentina. The region stands out as one of The Highest Vineyards In The World, characterized by its dry climate with no more than 150 mm annual rainfall, with significant thermal amplitude; rocky and sandy soil.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant ruby color with violet edges. Strawberries, raspberries and ripe fruit with touch of pepper and spices aromas and elegant floral notes. In mouth, flavors of red fruit, spice and hints of vanilla from aging in French oak. Very nice freshness. Round, soft tannins lead to a delicate, lingering finish.

Aged 8 months in French Oak barrels, only 25% of the wine.

Bottling Date: December 2021

This wine is made with grapes from Las Mercedes Estate, sandy soil and very poor in organic matter. Mechanical harvest and aging in barrels of 25% of the wine with contributions from Tannat and Petit Verdot.

Vineyards are located in Finca Las Mercedes, Calchaquí Valley.

Alc: 14% Total Acidity: 5.4 g/l pH: 3.71 Residual Sugar: 3.6 g/l

For centuries, farmers made offerings in hope for a miracle - as Amalaya translates in the local language - for a bountiful harvest. It is located at 5,900 feet above sea level, in the Calchaquí Valley, northwest of Argentina. The region stands out as one of The Highest Vineyards In The World, characterized by its dry climate with no more than 150 mm annual rainfall, with significant thermal amplitude; rocky and sandy soil.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant ruby color with violet edges. Strawberries, raspberries and ripe fruit with touch of pepper and spices aromas and elegant floral notes. In mouth, flavors of red fruit, spice and hints of vanilla from aging in French oak. Very nice freshness. Round, soft tannins lead to a delicate, lingering finish.

This wine is made with grapes from Las Mercedes Estate, sandy soil and very poor in organic matter. Mechanical harvest and aging in barrels of 25% of the wine with contributions from Tannat and Petit Verdot. Vineyards Location Finca Las Mercedes, Calchaquí Valley

Varietals: Malbec 85%, Tannat 10%, and Petit Verdot 5% Ageing: 8 months in French Oak barrels, only 25% of the wine Bottling date: December 2020 Winemaker: Jorge Noguera Alc: 14% Total Acidity: 5.4 g/l pH: 3.71 Residual Sugar: 3.6 g/l

For centuries, farmers made offerings in hope for a miracle - as Amalaya translates in the local language - for a bountiful harvest. It is located at 5,900 feet above sea level, in the Calchaquí Valley, northwest of Argentina. The region stands out as one of The Highest Vineyards In The World, characterized by its dry climate with no more than 150 mm annual rainfall, with significant thermal amplitude; rocky and sandy soil.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant ruby color with violet edges. Strawberries, raspberries and ripe fruit with touch of pepper and spices aromas and elegant floral notes. In mouth, flavors of red fruit, spice and hints of vanilla from aging in French oak. Very nice freshness. Round, soft tannins lead to a delicate, lingering finish.

Vintage 2019 Varietals Malbec 85% - Tannat 10% - Petit Verdot 5% Ageing 8 months in French Oak barrels, only 25% of the wine Bottling date December 2019 Winemaker Jorge Noguera

This wine is made with grapes from Las Mercedes Estate, sandy soil and very poor in organic matter. Mechanical harvest and aging in barrels of 25% of the wine with contributions from Tannat and Petit Verdot. Vineyards Location Finca Las Mercedes, Calchaquí Valley Harvest February-March 2019

Alc. 14% Total Acidity 5,4 g/l pH 3,71 Residual Sugar 3,6 g/l

For centuries, farmers made offerings in hope for a miracle - as Amalaya translates in the local language - for a bountiful harvest. It is located at 5,900 feet above sea level, in the Calchaquí Valley, northwest of Argentina. The region stands out as one of The Highest Vineyards In The World, characterized by its dry climate with no more than 150 mm annual rainfall, with significant thermal amplitude; rocky and sandy soil.

Tasting Notes

Brilliant ruby color with violet edges. Strawberries, raspberries and ripe fruit with touch of pepper and spices aromas and elegant floral notes. In mouth, flavors of red fruit, spice and hints of vanilla from aging in French oak. Very nice freshness. Round, soft tannins lead to a delicate, lingering finish.

Vintage 2018 Varietals Malbec 85% - Tannat 10% - Petit Verdot 5% Ageing 8 months in French Oak barrels, only 25% of the wine Bottling date December 2018 Winemaker Jorge Noguera

This wine is made with grapes from Las Mercedes Estate, sandy soil and very poor in organic matter. Mechanical harvest and aging in barrels of 25% of the wine with contributions from Tannat and Petit Verdot. Vineyards Location Finca Las Mercedes, Calchaquí Valley Harvest February-March 2018

Alc. 13.9% Total Acidity 6,0 g/l pH 3,76 Residual Sugar 2,95 g/l

  • 2023-06-24

    91

    points

    Wilfred Wong, June 2023

    "The 2021 Amalaya Malbec is bright and active on the palate. This wine exhibits aromas and flavors of black fruits, licorice, and dried earth. Enjoy with grilled short ribs."

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  • 2022-11-30

    90

    points

    Wine Advocate, November 2022

    "The dark red 2021 Malbec is young, primary and fresh, with ripe fruit and nice balance. It is varietal and has notes of violets and small berries and a touch of herbs. It's medium-bodied with medium ripeness and moderate alcohol, 13.9%. In reality, it's not 100% Malbec, as it contains 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot. A serious red for very little money."

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  • 2022-11-22

    Silver

    Medal

    Rodeo Uncorked, November 2022

    "Class Champion"

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  • 2022-06-13

    95

    points

    Decanter World Wine Awards, June 2022

    "Gold Medal. Opulent and inviting aromatics, with pretty rose petal, heady sandalwood and plush blueberry on the nose, while the palate is laced with lush plum, a zippy acidity and velvety smooth tannins."

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  • 2022-06-09

    90

    points

    Tim Atkin, June 2022

    "It says Malbec on the label, but this lightly wooded red also includes 15% of perfectly legal Tannat and Petit Verdot. Earlier picked for freshness, it’s sappy and textured, showing plum and blackberry fruit, a waft of violet and refreshing acidity. 2023-28"

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  • 2022-03-31

    91

    points

    James Suckling, March 2022

    "Violets, fresh blackberries and blueberries and white pepper. A little herbal but savory on the palate with dense, nicely chewy tannins. 85% malbec, 10% tannat and 5% petit verdot. Vegan. Drink now. Screw cap."

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  • 20220601

    88

    points

    Wine & Spirits, June 2022

    "Olive salinity and black-currant flavors make this malbec and its burly tannins a straightforward match for steak."

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  • 2022-02-28

    88

    points

    Wine Spectator, February 2022

    "Offers notes of sandstone to the fine-grained cherry tart and dried raspberry flavors, which lengthen out with beefy hints in the midpalate. Shows light mocha accents on the finish. Drink now. 68,795 cases made, 15,000 cases imported."

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  • 2021-03-31

    90

    Points

    Wine Advocate, March 2021

    "I love the ultra young and fleshy 2020 Malbec that in reality contains 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot. It's ripe without excess and was bottled after one-fourth of the volume spent eight months in oak barrels. So, the effect of the oak is not noticeable in the aromas or flavors, and the wine comes through as fruit-driven and juicy while still keeping the varietal profile. They produced no less than 720,000 bottles of this wine. It was bottled in September 2020."

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  • 2020-03-28

    16+

    Points

    Jancis Robinson, March 2020

    "85% Malbec, with Tannat and Petit Verdot at 1,800 m. A less-expensive sister brand to Colomé founded in 2010. Polished and sweet. Admirably light bottle. Without the drama of some high-altitude wines but well made and pleasing."

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  • 2020-03-18

    90

    Points

    Tim Atkin, March 2020

    "The Amalaya Malbec is blended with 10% Tannat and 5% Petit Verdot, as it has been for the last three vintages. Made with organic grapes from the Finca Las Mercedes, this has damson and blackberry fruit, some vanilla spice from oak staves and good texture. 2021-25"

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  • 92

    Points

    James Suckling,

    "A dusty, chewy red with plenty of tannins and blackberry and smoky flavor. It’s full-bodied and very flavorful. Drink or hold. Screw cap."

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  • 2020-03-27

    91

    Points

    James Suckling, March 2020

    "A bold, fruit-driven malbec with a lot of blueberry and forest-berry aromas and full, soft tannins that keep the generous body in check. Quite polished finish. Screw cap."

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  • 91

    Points

    Wine Enthusiast,

    "Herbal black fruit aromas are touched up by notes of earthy spice and cured meat. A prodding palate is both solid and tannic, while this Salta Malbec tastes of blackberry, dark plum, herbs and spices. A lush finish is equally stout, and overall you won't find much fault in this"

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TRADE & MEDIA ASSETS /////////////////

2021 Amalaya Malbec – 90 points, Tim Atkin – Sales Sheet

2021 Amalaya Malbec – 90 points, Tim Atkin – Shelftalker

2021 Amalaya Malbec – 91 points, James Suckling – Shelftalker

2021 Amalaya Malbec – 91 points, James Suckling – Sales Sheet

2021 Amalaya Malbec – 95 points, Decanter – Shelftalker

2021 Amalaya Malbec – 95 points, Decanter – Sales Sheet

2021 Amalaya Malbec – Tasting Note

Amalaya – 2022 Wine Advocate Scores – Sales Sheet

Amalaya Malbec – Beauty – Landscape

Amalaya Malbec – Beauty – Portrait with Steak

2020 Amalaya Malbec – Tasting Note

2019 Amalaya Malbec – Tasting Note

2018 Amalaya Malbec – Tasting Note

Amalaya Malbec – Label

Amalaya Malbec – Bottle