A few weeks ago we wrote about Duck Walk Malbec, and this week we carry on with a few more offerings from the Long Island region, which also happens to be the home base for half of our writing collective. Today we take a look at the most recent malbec offering from Sagaponack's Wolffer Estate. This isn't a full 100% Malbec, with 17% of the bottle comprising of Merlot (16.5%) and Petit Verdot (0.5%), but it's close enough and this isn't hand grenades or horseshoes. I'm usually not the biggest fan of that combination, but I'm more than willing to give this a spin.
Nose: On the first pass, it's somewhat closed with fig and graphite leading the charge. As it airs out, sweeter notes begin to arrive: raisin, black cherry and black currant. With more time the black cherry and currant push towards the top through subsequent passes.
Palate: Comes in subtle with the Merlot influence becoming more prominent with each sip. Approachable with a decent level of intensity and balance. As advertised on the nose with an oak pulling itself up over time. Light tannins
Finish: Long. The fruit gets sweeter and sweeter and the oak diminishes.
It's hard to give this a confident recommendation at this price point, but this most certainly needs a few years in quiet to find its footing. As it stands right now the sweetness is almost too overpowering.
$32