Friends brought this nice red wine out after a recent cookout.  Unlike most Malbecs that are from Chile or Argentina, this Malbec is from CA and has a very dark and pleasing color. 

We did not aerate this wine but we did use large red wine glasses that allowed this wine to breathe nicely after it was poured.  Berries were very evident in the aroma and I thought I smelled some vanilla as well.  It also had an earthy smell that some at the table described as “musty cheese”.  I didn’t get that aroma, but I guess I haven’t been around musty cheese in a while so I could have missed it.  The website uses “dusty cocoa powder” as one of the descriptors – maybe that was it?

The berries and even some cherry was the first flavor that came through.  The tannins were light so it was not too dry; but it was not sweet either.  I think the vanilla came out in the taste as the wine opened up in the glass.  The winery site says there are some floral  notes in the wine, but I didn’t notice those flavors – usually I don’t like wines that are floral-heavy.  Overall this was a nice, balance red wine that could be enjoyed with a steak, pizza, or even a meatier fish. 

Recommend:  Yes

Price:  Around $10