2013 Bodega Colome Altura Maxima Malbec, Cafayate, Argentina (750ml)

WINEMAKER'S NOTES: The true expression of terroir in this Malbec comes from the extreme altitude at which the vineyard sits, it receives much more sun, much less UV protection, producing thicker skinned grapes that deliver a more robust mouthfeel supported by fresh acidity. TASTING NOTES: I was really looking forward to tasting the 2013 Altura Máxima Malbec, as I was blown away by the inaugural 2012, previewed this 2013 one month before bottling and I hadn't had the chance to encounter the wine since my visit to the vineyard some 16 months ago. 2013 was slightly a wetter year (210 liters versus the average 125) and the temperatures were milder, so it provided for fruit-driven wines with good acidity and firm tannin. 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 y