Single Vineyard Malbec El Tomillo Estate

El Tomillo Single Vineyard Malbec

  • Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco, 
  • Mendoza, 
  • argentina

Latest Awards

  • 93 points Editors' Choice Wine Enthusiast , February 2023
  • 91 points Vinous , November 2021
Background

In the remote upper reaches of Argentina's Valle de Uco on the eastern slopes of the Andes, Bodegas Salentein produces a remarkable collection of wines from vineyards planted at some of the highest elevations on the planet. From this lofty outpost, 65 miles south of the bustling city of Mendoza, Argentina's winemaking capital, Bodegas Salentein has forged an international reputation for its fine wines. Each year, growing numbers of curious wine lovers are drawn to this spectacular location, intent on discovering and experiencing the beauty and ethos of Bodegas Salentein for themselves. Established in the late 1990s, Salentein is a privately-owned estate of almost 5,000 acres, of which 1,124 acres are planted to vine. The property includes a world-class winery and cellars, a 125-acre nature preserve, the showpiece Killka Center for Culture and the Arts, a nearby lodge (the Posada Salentein, offering an elegant and relaxing retreat into nature), and the landmark Chapel of Gratitude, a non-denominational chapel of ascetic loveliness, built using ancient local stonework techniques.

TERROIR & VINTAGE NOTES

El Tomillo Vineyard is located in the middle of the Altamira Geographical Indication at a height of 3,400 feet. Cool climate wide thermal amplitude. Sany soil with large concentration of calcium carbonate-covered stones.

Winemaking & Aging

Large foudres (7,000 L) were used to ferment 45% of the must, and 55% went into 225 L oak barrels. The pre-fermentation cold maceration was made at 10º-12ºC. Active dry wine yeasts (ADWY) were used for fermentation that was temperature controlled at 28º-29ºC, with remontage, délestage, and pigéage employed for the foudres and only pigéage for the barrel fermentation along with the controlled introduction of oxygen using the cliqueur device. After post-fermentation maceration, the wine was devatted and transferred to French oak barrels for malolactic fermentation. The total maceration period was approximately 23-25 days. The wine was barrel-aged for 16 months.

Tasting Notes

Intense purplish red color Complex aromas of red fruits and spices. The palate is elegant with velvety, fine tannins, mineral, and spicy notes supported by refreshing acidity and a pleasant lingering finish.

93
Points
Editors' Choice

The nose exhibits fresh cherry and plum aromas followed by a light note of herbs. The palate is elegant, with a mineral texture. Notes of cherry and plum meet dark chocolate and thyme. A lingering finish delivers oak spices. This red has depth and lively acidity—a good example of wines from Altamira. Drink through 2028. Palm Bay International. Editors’ Choice. —J.V.

Wine Enthusiast - February 2023

91
Points

The 2017 Malbec Salentein Single Vineyard Viñedo El Tomillo hails from a vineyard Salentein owns in the south of the Uco Valley and was aged for 16 months in used barrels. Inky with a brick dust sheen, the nose is led by country herbs such as jarilla and thyme alongside ripe fruit. The concentrated palate has active tannins that channel the flow while ripe fruit flavors appear at the back of the mouth alongside a mild acidity that lurks behind the compact feel and ripe, herbal finish. -J.H.

Vinous - November 2021

91
Points

A single-vineyard Malbec that feels riper in 2017, the 2017 El Tomillo Vineyard Malbec Paraje Altamira has a character of boiled vegetables and earth. The palate reveals more freshness, and the tannins are fine, with the chalky character from the limestone soils. It's ripe without excess and has a medium to full body. 11,600 bottles were filled in July 2019.

Wine Advocate - March 2021

Appellation

Paraje Altamira, Valle de Uco

grape varieties

100% Malbec

Sizes

750ml

technical details
  • ABV: 14%
  • TA: 5.8 g/l
  • RS: 1.8 g/l
  • Ph: 3.75
  • Closure: Cork
  • Vegan
winemaker

Jose Galante/Jorge Cabeza

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