2Hawk Malbec Rogue Valley 2019

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Rogue Valley

Varietal Malbec

Retail Price $34

ABV 13.7%

Score 4.5 Stars/94 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of bramble, slate, and black currant with supporting notes of blueberry, fig, and earth.

Flavor

The palate confirms the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of black plum, mulberry, graphite, and star anise. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.

Cool Factor

We have learned years ago that the wines from 2Hawk are absolutely cool. We love seeing Malbec done right and their 2019 vintage is spot-on.

Value Grade

B+

You will be hard-pressed to find a better or more stylish Malbec for the money so despite the $34 price tag we find it to be a very good value. (Fewer than 200 cases made.)

Analysis

2Hawk shows us all what New World Malbec should be. In our view, this Malbec leans more in the French influence than Argentine. It's balanced, nuanced, with loads of earth and spice acting as the perfect companion to the dense black fruits. The bookend months of the 2019 vintage saw February rains with a near record cool in October. It was one of the coolest ripening periods in 2Hawk's history. The fruit for this wine was harvested on several dates beginning October the 17th and ending on November 5. The wine is a blend of 89% Malbec, 8.5% Cabernet Sauvignon, 1.5% Merlot, and 1% Cabernet Franc. It was fermented with native, wild yeast as are all 2Hawk wines then rested in French oak — 28% new, 35% two-years old, and 37% neutral — for a period of 22 months. A real charmer.

How to Enjoy

Serve at cellar temperature and we advise decanting before serving. Pair with roasted, herb-crusted pork and rosemary potatoes.