I haven’t had a Malbec for quite some time for no particular reason. I have a few bottles in my “cellar” from my trip to Mendoza a few years ago. (my cellar= my wine fridge.) Those bottles are special and maybe I don’t think anything at a store can live up to them so why bother. Maybe that was the underlying reason.

I guess I’m over it because I’ve been having a hankering for Malbec lately. I purchased this “blend” on a stock up trip to Total Wine recently. I use quotes because this is 75% Malbec and by California standards, they could call this a Malbec, call it a day and not tell you it’s 15% “other stuff.”

I do not like Cab Sauv. I don’t like the aromas. They are literally not my jam. But I do like the general structure of a Cab so in small quantities, I like what it does for a blend as long as the pyrazine is overridden by other aromas. If you don’t know, pyrazine gives wine that green pepper /vegetal aroma. I. Kit a fan in red wine. It doesn’t bother me so much in Sauv Blanc, although the more varietals of white I try, I am learning that Sauvy B is not my favorite.

Anyhoo, on to this “blend” of mostly Malbec…I like the nose on this a lot. It’s pretty earthy up front. But definitely fruity. Like you baked a blackberry pie in the dirt. With a little nutmeg and cocoa sprinkled in. Which sounds gross in real life but in wine aroma speak, means yumminess to me. There is a bit of sweet cigar as well but just a teeny bit.

It’s very cocoa berry in the mouth. Like cocoa covered raspberries with a hint of vanilla. It’s veering towards low acidity but not quite low, still very ripe but not quite cooked.

Overall I’m pleased. It’s enjoyable. Extra enjoyable at $14 a bottle. Would drink again.