2018 Livermore Valley Malbec
While this grape is mostly known as an Argentinian specialty, it is definitely starting to gain momentum in California. We only get Malbec grapes in years when our friends in Livermore think they have enough for both of us to make wine. It tends to come & go quickly, so, if we’re serving it in the Tasting Room, be sure to give it a try!
These grapes are from the same vineyard as our ever-popular Livermore Cabernet Franc. After a cool fermentation, it went into mostly-used French oak. We love the intense raspberry fruit character of this wine so much we want to just barely complement it with a little spicy oak, & not overwhelm it.
We think the bright fuchsia highlights in this wine are very characteristic of California Malbec, & we love the look of it. A slightly smoky, raspberry candy nose is followed by a palate full of blackberry, clove, & almost bubblegum. Its long, ripe, tannic finish suggests a wine older than it is. We are excited to taste how this wine continues to evolve & mature, just as our 2016 Malbec.
For a local cheese pairing, try Point Reyes Original Blue from Cowgirl Creamery or Humboldt Fog from Cypress Grove. Taking inspiration from its Argentinian connection, we tried this Malbec with empanadas, and - we have it say - it’s now one of our favorites! Slow-cooked tri-tip, cubed yellow potatoes, diced onions, & green olives in your favorite marinade make a delightful filling.
