Washington Week reviews wrapping up with this new one to us: Virtue Cellars just north of Seattle, featuring 100% Malbec from Royal Slope AVA, which is not a new one on us, but only as far as Syrahs go. I am told by those in the know residing in Seattle that this is a vineyard to watch, but they also don't care for Bossa Nova, so I don't know what to believe. I suppose it's time to just shut up, pour and find out for myself.
Initially quite heavy with notes of strong blackberry and spice influence, it's best to decant and give at least a half an hour before truly carrying on. After a bit of air, the beauty of this bottle reveals itself. Think of it as patiently waiting for the arrival of a first date, and then being rendered speechless at the beauty of your company and the luck you've stumbled upon. Lush blackberry calms itself down and there are notes of cocoa, orange, raspberry, and a wispy note of tobacco leaf. There's an amazing depth and interplay here that never stumbles out of balance between the fruit and savory. Well worth the wait and quite a bottle to remember.
This is a steal at twice the price and proves that my friend in Seattle may just know what he's talking about, for once.
$30