The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Santa Barbara County

Varietal   Malbec

Retail Price   $28

ABV   13.5%

Score   4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Deep, bright ruby with hints of garnet.

Scents of ripe and dried black fruits and cassis with loads of mineral and earth in support.

The palate is in full agreement with the aromatics with a rich and semi-tart black fruit driven core with flanking notes of black pepper, mineral, and toasted oak.

Dense and rich with perfect balance offering a fresh dose of acidity and soft but framing tannins.

Cool Factor

Malbec has become wildly popular but sadly homogenous. This Malbec has style and personality and that is always cool.

Value Grade

At nearly $30 this is not on the shopping list of bargain buyer but who cares. When you consider the quality and the small production it's absolutely fair.

Analysis

Crafted with 100% Malbec from the Valley View Vineyard located in the Santa Barbara appellation on a slope rising above the Santa Ynez vineyard. The wine is matured for 18 months in French oak, 50% of the barrels are new. Fewer than 600 cases of this wine were made.

How to Enjoy

This is a beautifully balanced wine that is ready for food. I would pair this wine with grilled lamb chops or smoked brisket.