Lots of generational shifts and torches passed and that's a good thing, right? In this case, absolutely. Vaglio is the personal flagship of Jose Balbo, whose last name is most familiar to anyone with knowledge of the Malbec circles. This is Jose's project independent of Susanna Balbo's winery.
Some stats: 100% malbec at 3,200 feet altitude, aged 8 months in 40% new French oak.
Dense but tart, with notes of intense dark berry and earth that drive the entire experience start to finish. Ample fruit comes into its own on the palate and fades towards the finish with heavy tobacco leaf, cola, and a bit of dark chocolate.
Do not hold on to this. Or buy two and hold one. Either way, crack this open in a quiet place.
$37
Vaglio