Alright. Wrapping up my week of penance for not filing a review last week with a domestic twist from California. This came at the suggestion of a reader (thanks Bram!) and at first I was VERY hesitant about dropping $50 on a California Malbec, but it turns out to be the right call. Maybe not for my pocketbook, but my wife and I certainly enjoyed this. Here we go. Last review and then we go back to weird, inconsistently toned narratives three times a week.
Nose: Fairly mild with blackberry and forest floor notes. As it sits baking spice pushes through with a slight touch of welcome campfire smoke. Not much else develops with time, not that it's needed. There's plenty going on here to enjoy.
Palate: Comes in rich with a bit more oak holding up the dark fruit, and it's quite lovely. Approachable with medium tannins and acidity that never overpowers or makes this a challenge to swallow.
Finish: Long. The earthier notes push forward but the blackberry and cinnamon return towards the end. I wish I had held this back another year. My gut instinct is that this will age beautifully.
Having been burnt on some of the DeNegoce Malbecs late last year, I was apprehensive on the quality-to-dollar ratio. Quite pleased to be wrong on all accounts.
$50