Amalaya Malbec 2014
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Parker
Robert
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Blend: 85% Malbec, 10% Syrah, 5% Cabernet Sauvignon.
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
The entry-level red for Amalaya changed its name with the 2014 vintage and is now called 2014 Malbec, even if it still has some 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and 5% Syrah in the blend. Since it has 85% of Malbec it can be bottled as a varietal wine. From this vintage the wine is only produced with estate grapes, whereas in the past some were purchased. Tasting it next to the 2013 I felt a big jump in quality. The vintage was also very good for Malbec in Salta. It's very spicy, possibly from the Syrah and there are also some herbal aromas for the Cabernet, cracked peppercorns, some olives and balsamic aromas, with more depth. I feel the Syrah quite a lot here, both in the nose and in the palate where it added smoked bacon and mineral earthy notes. It also has more structure and clout than the 2013. A big step up in quality for this wine. Some 540,000 bottles were produced, the largest volume of all Amalaya and Colomé wines.
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Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
The Salta region in northern Argentina is home to world’s highest vineyards. Near the town of Payogasta, the Colomé Altura Máxima vineyard is planted at 10,206 feet in elevation.
Salta is part of the Calchaquí Valley, which benefits from more than 300 days of sun per year, subjecting its vines to considerable ultraviolet radiation. The valley experiences strong high altitude winds, even in the “lower” vineyards, which are planted at 5,413 feet. Because of these elevations and resulting extreme conditions, vines produce lower yields and thicker-skinned grapes, resulting in concentrated, aromatic and well-structured wines.
In a truly unique region, the highly aromatic variety, Torrontes, thrives; intense sun exposure allows full ripening, while cooling winds maintain the grapes’ acidity levels and phenolic balance.
Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon, Bonarda, Syrah, and, particularly, Tannat have the most potential among reds.
Upscale hotels, beautiful colonial architecture, a majestic Andean backdrop and impressive food and wine make the area attractive among tourists as well.
Salta is the fourth most important Argentine wine-producing region after Mendoza, San Juan, and La Rioja. Its oldest vineyards were planted in 1862.