Dark, with a core of crushed currant and plum fruit laced with black tea, hoisin sauce and a snappy mineral streak. Ripe, but not overblown, with a racy finish that lets sweet earth and licorice snap notes add length. Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Tannat. Drink now through 2010. 15,000 cases made. ûJM june 2009 issue

90 PTS FROM WINE ADVOCATE!

The red wines begin with the 2006 Malbec Estate, aged for 15 months in French oak, 30% new. Deep crimson-colored, the nose offers up smoke, violets, black cherry, and blueberry. This is followed by s smooth-textured, ripe, full-flavored wine with good balance and several years of aging potential. It will be at its best from 2011 to 2020.

Colome is owned by Donald Hess of Switzerland (who claims to be retired but seemed very involved when I met up with him to taste these wines). The winery (and hotel) is located in Salta and the vineyards may well be the most elevated in the world. The Colome estate vineyards are organically farmed and biodynamically certified. JAY MILLER DEC 08 ISSUE

NICK'S PICK FOR BEST VALUE!

Colome Malbec from Calchaqui Valley in Salta, Argentina rate's a Best Buy from Nick as it is engaging, like a well made Napa Cabernet yet it is priced much more competitively. The same quality wine, in Napa, would go for about $50! Colome displays huge, berry aromatics that leap from the glass! You can enjoy this one as soon as you pop the cork, so while decanting won't hurt any wine, the beauty of this wine is that it is extremely enjoyable immediately!!! With rich, ripe forward fruit components that lead into a super smooth body followed by a big burst of spice box and sweet cedar and a finish that lingers for about 10-15 seconds!