This week of West Coast Malbecs started off with a 2018 Lagana Eritage from Walla Walla. Now we shift southwards to California and the Paso Robles region for another 2018, this time from Encell. Unlike my colleague, I am NOT on vacation, and therefore have a bit less of a charmed cloud hanging over my senses. I’ve been on a Paso Robles kick as of late, and not just in the Malbec world, either. Over the last week, I’ve enjoyed several glasses and I’m hoping this continues the trend of delight.
Nose: A mix of herbs (sage and a faint bit of rosemary) on the nose. On the second approach, the fruit begins to uncover itself: strawberry, blackberry, and a hint of citrus peel. With a little bit of rest in the glass, things grow a bit more harmonious and the blackberry takes charge.
Palate: A very sweet and floral arrival with some of that herbaceous presence underneath, with growing complexity at every sip that pushes the sweetness back to unveil a rather bold wave of minerality.
Finish: Quite long and the char note expands for some time. Thankfully the floral notes make a reprisal to wrap things up nicely.
The complexity here is enjoyable for Malbec lovers who are a bit more seasoned, but this is not something suggested for first-time Malbec drinkers.