Review: 2019 Columbia Crest Reserve James Vineyard Malbec

 

Let us turn our hymnals to the fine Wikipedia for the next reading:

Established in 2006 The Wahluke Slope AVA Wahluke, was named after a Native American word for "watering place," is an American Viticultural area located within Grant County, Washington and is home to more than 20 vineyards and at least three wine production facilities. It is part of the larger Columbia Valley AVA. The 80,490 acre region features approximately 8,931 acres of vineyards: nearly 15 percent of the total wine grape acreage in the state.Top grape varieties: Merlot, Syrah, Cabernet Sauvignon, Riesling, Chardonnay, and Chenin Blanc, but this area is primarily known for Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon.

And it is in this region that Columbia Crest worked with James Vineyard to find this Malbec. Of particular note: this was purchased on a mildly inebriated whim while listening to This Mortal Coil's "It'll End In Tears" and getting depressed about turning 50 very soon. It's not 100% Malbec, sadly, as they have put a bit of Cab Franc into the mixture. I do wish more US vineyards would take the plunge on 100% Malbec.

They have a photo of this fella on their website, so you know this is probably going to be legit. 

I get tired of looking at younger fifth-generation people who look all rich and pretty, and claim to put in the work but they really do not. Guys like this keep the balance correct.

Nose: Surprisingly not red fruit forward. What a treat! Lots of blackberry and raspberry with dark chocolate on different approaches. Give this about 20-30 minutes to settle and as a further treat, some notes of ground coffee and oak make their way onto the scene. 

Palate: Complex and ever-changing. The earthier elements take hold at first, with oak, pepper and chocolate going first and raspberry towards the back. A little bit of minerality with some time, but it fades just as soon as it arrives. Full-bodied with decent acidity and tannins that frame everything with eloquence.

Finish: Long and warming. As advertised on the nose, but the fruit hangs on until the very end. 

This was an excellent pick-me-up to get out of a recent funk, and would have been the perfect compliment to the coldest of the winter weather we've been having as of late. This one may not be around too much longer but what a showing. High five to that guy or whomever made this one happen.

$45

Columbia Crest