4 Malbes

Please join us on November 3, 2012 for a a Tasting of 4 Malbecs $5.00 tasting fee

Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, this grape is among the “big six” for red wine grapes. However, with the exception of Cahors, its fame and fortune in France often end there, as Malbec is generally a grape used for blending, with very little vine being devoted to its improvement or success. The story in Argentina is quite the opposite. Malbec has found both fame and glory in the sun-drenched climate of Argentina. This is Argentina’s signature grape and it is quickly making a new name for itself with red wine lovers. South Africa, Australia, Chile and the U.S. also successfully grow Malbec though not to the same capacity as Argentina.
We have choosen four reliable Malbecs:
Santa Julia 2011, organic grown grapes from Argentina. This’s a winery with a an attitude of giving bad to the people that make every step possible, and it’s a great wine. $10.95
Also from Argentina:
Allamand 2011,Valle de Uco Malbec 2011 $11.95 It is 100% malbec that comes from 15-20 year old vines planted in the Uco Valley region. Located at more than 3,150 ft above sea level, and being at the foot of the Andes range, this region is the land of the most refined and elegant malbecs in Argentina. This is Cristian’s “appellation” driven malbec and through this wine, Cristian is materializing his idea of what malbec from the Uco Valley is about, showing the most typical characteristics of the Uco Valley “appellation” malbecs: deep purple color, lots of violets in the nose, and natural great acidity.  Christian used just a hint of new French oak (4% over 12 months).
2010 Reserve Santa Julia $13.95 -It’s hard not to like the sentiment behind proudly organic growers, even if they can occasionally seem preachy, and this eco-friendly Argentine winery turns out a fruity but complex wine that’s delicious. Like several of our picks from South America, this wine expertly walks the line between New World and Old World styles, with berries and a nice herbaceous quality.Nose, Berry and grape aromas dominate (yes, we know—all wines may be made of grapes, but not all wines smell like them). There’s also a nice herbal note that lends this bottle some Old World class.Mouth,Big red berries, herbs, and a healthy dose of food-friendly acid appealed instantly to our blind tasters.
Here’s a big one from Washington State: Hestia Cellars 2009

2009 Malbec

$ 31.95

Appellation: Horse Heaven Hills, Washington State

Varietals: 100% Malbec Vineyard: Andrews Ranch

Winemaker Comments: Andrews Ranch Malbec was hand harvested in mid October under ideal conditions. The berries were gently de-stemmed (without crushing)directly into one ton open top fermentors. Saignee was per- formed, and 20% of the juice was immediatley pulled from the must. Fermentation lasted 21 days before being lightly pressed into once used French oak barrels. The wine was racked by gravity flow every 6 months, and was bottled in August 20010, without fining or filtration.

Tasting Notes: The inky purple 2009 Malbec Andrews Ranch offers up an alluring bouquet of cedar, incense, white pepper, meat, black cherry, and blueberry compote. Opulent on the palate with layers of succulent fruit, this pleasure-bent offering can be enjoyed now and over the next 6-8 years. It is another example of how bright Malbec’s future is in eastern Washington – Jay Miller, The Wine Advocate

Aging: Aged 22 months in two year old French oak barrels.

Production: 200 cases

wine advocate 92 92 pts
WINE SPECTATOR
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About David Lower

We are a boutique wine store located in the N. Tacoma Proctor district, researching and finding small winerys that make no more than 2000 cases a year, we taste and retaste to be sure of the quality, with in depth understanding what the winemaker is accomplishing, the nuances that make great wine. David Lower started collecting small winemakers in the early 90s from Spain, Italy, Burgundy, California, Washington, Oregon. "Procuring and tasting every wine I could afford to buy was essential to gaining some idea of what exits in the wine world". Victoria Johnson is the store Manager at Black Door Wine Company, a visual artist, understands that details make all the difference in good and great wine. She enjoys exploring the wines with David developing her palate gaining a quick and refine knownledge. .
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