Malbec

When Turnbull launched in 1979 it was with the goal of producing excellent Cabernet Sauvignon. Of course, at the time there was a lot of excellent Cabernet in the market. But as many Napa Cabernets chose to make enormous and heavy-handed wines, Turnbull chose a different direction. The craftsmanship of this is an homage to Old-School Napa Cabernet - those wines not often made anymore that truly prized the plot of land and extolled the fruit over the use of high brix and lots of oak. So if you want to taste Cabernet the way it used to be, this will complement any occasion.

Made with organic grapes and Fair Trade Certified.  100% Malbec.  Purple in color, opaque and bright.  The nose is bold with plums, black cherries, char and slight spice.  Full bodied.  Nice texture.  Good balance.  Light to medium tannins.  On the palate, this drinks easy with plenty of fruit.  Plums, black raspberries, spice and char.  Good finish.  This is nice on its own and will work well with a burger off the grill.  This should drink well for the the next three to five years.  

2024 marks the 20th vintage for Spottswoode’s Lyndenhurst label. The original goal is still the same: use all five Bordeaux varietals and pull fruit from the estate as well as other exceptional Napa vineyards, all of which are organically grown. In doing so this wine allows for, “a broader expression of Napa Valley, while applying the same philosophy that shapes our Estate Cabernet,” says winemaker Aron Weinkauf.

Domaine Bousquet remains a great source for well priced wines that are not only very good to outstanding, but made in a sustainable way.  This is 100% Malbec from Argentina.  Purple in  color, opaque and bright.  The nose is nice with plums, cedar, and a slight note of raisin.  Medium bodied.  Medium tannins.  Good acidity.  On the palate, plums and black cherries with a slight dark chocolate note.  Not the most complex wine in the world but quite tasty and a fantastic value.  This is great on its own and works very well with meats, fowl or veggies off the grill.  

One of the better Argentinian Malbecs that I have had.  Made from very old vines and brought up in concrete eggs.  Garnet in color, mostly opaque and bright.  The nose has plums, boysenberries and slight strawberries along with a nice minerality.  Great plush texture.  Medium tannins.  Good balance.  On the palate black raspberries, with a tart acidity.  Long finish.  This is a big wine but also delicious.  Great on its own, it will need bigger foods to work with.  A great choice with a grilled steak.  Drink over the next ten years.