Troon Vineyard Estate - Kubli Bench Cuvée Côt Malbec Applegate Valley 2016
See the Full BevX Featured Review & Beverage of the WeekBrilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and five spice with supporting notes of leather, black tea, plum, and balsamic. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and sour cherry with accents of earth and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture. $35 – 4.5 Stars – 95 points
Mercer Malbec Horse Heaven Hills 2015
Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry, blackberry, and plum with supporting notes of oak, vanilla, and slate. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of mocha and cassis. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and nicely balanced with a voluptuous texture. $19.99 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
Kaiken Ultra Malbec Mendoza 2014
Deep, darkest ruby to purple color. The nose is filled with the scents of black plum, blackberry, and blueberry with accents of mineral, allspice with dried herbs, and soft earth tones. The palate echoes the nose delivering a rich, fruit-centric core with waves of spice, oak, and subtle earth notes that merge nicely with the soft, chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied with waves of dense fruit and ideal balance with a bright dose of acidity. Made with 100% Malbec. $25 – 4 Stars – 90 points
Antigal Uno Malbec Mendoza 2013
Deep, dark violet color. The nose is filled with the scents of black cherry, blackberries, and cassis with supporting notes of young cigars, mocha, and vanilla. The palate equals the nose delivering a lush and fruity core with soft, milk chocolate notes, sweet, vanilla-accented oak, and mocha. Medium-bodied with a rich, silky fruit-driven core flanked by subtle notes of acidity and soft, chewy tannins. Made with 100% Malbec. $18 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Troon Malbec Rogue Valley 2013
See the Full BevX Featured ReviewDeep, dark ruby red to purple. The nose is vibrant and fresh with red berries and cherries with subtle herbal and mineral notes in support. The palate is in full agreement with the nose delivering a bright fruit core that features both ripe, sweet berries with tart raspberry and soft earth tones. Medium-bodied with ideal balance thanks to a bright dose of acidity and soft, framing tannins. $29 – 3.5 Stars – 88 points
Lucas & Lewellen Malbec Santa Barbara County 2012
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. Made with 100% Malbec. $28 – 4.5 Stars – 94 points
