Troon Vineyard Estate - Kubli Bench Cuvée Côt Malbec Applegate Valley 2016

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Applegate Valley

Varietal Malbec

Retail Price $35

ABV 13.4%

Score 4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black cherry and five spice with supporting notes of leather, black tea, plum, and balsamic.

Flavor

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.

Intensity & Texture

Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture.

Cool Factor

Cool climate Oregon Malbec made in the Cahors style is absolutely cool!

Value Grade

Selling at $35 a bottle there are many options in this tier. When you consider the quality in the glass and the rarity (less than 250 cases made) we find it to be a value.

Analysis

Troon Vineyard is always clever and it often signals style along with the varietal. In the USA most wine drinkers know Malbec as an Argentine wine unaware that the grape is of French origin. In my view the best expression of Malbec can be found in the appellation of Cahors in the Southwest of France. In Cahors Malbec is known as Côt. The Troon Vineyard Malbec Cuvée Côt is very much like a wine of Cahors with savory dark fruits dominating with firm tannins to add structure. Like all Troon reds this Malbec is fermented in one ton fermenters with punchdowns by hand. It is aged in seasoned (used — not new) oak for a period of 18 months.

How to Enjoy

Please decant this wine, especially in its youth, to wake it up and allowing the aromatics to blossom. Think French and serve this lovely wine with cassoulet.