Dark, purple-black center with ruby-crimson reflections to the tears. The nose is dark and masculine, giving notions of black currant, peppered plums, and cigar tobacco. There are layers of saddle leather, roasted herbs, animal hide, beef jerky, and forest leaves. Broad-shouldered and muscular, yet finely chiseled with a substantial, savory finish. This is not your fruit-forward Malbec bomb; it has a substance and sophistication that well surpasses its price point.
Callejon del Crimen Malbec stands shoulder to shoulder with world-renowned Uco Valley bottlings in overall quality, but far outmatches them in dollar-for-dollar might. Hailing from vineyards that sit nearly 4,000 feet up in the clear-skied Andes foothills, this Gran Reserva draws fruit from three of the area’s most prestigious sub-regions: Vista Flores, Paraje Altamira, and Gualtallary.
The Gran Reserva’s robust structure and savoriness traces back to old-vine plantings in Paraje Altamira. Located in the southern half of the Uco Valley, Altamira boasts rocky, calcareous soils that force vines deep in search of water and nutrients, helping to yield full-throttle, mineral-driven Malbec.
Pairs well with beef, lamb, matured cheese, and pork dishes.