2-Hawk Vineyard & Winery, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Malbec 2017

 With so many solid, pleasant drinking Malbecs available for under $25, anything above that price point has to be exceptional to get my attention.  Well, here’s one major exception from 2-Hawk,  a small winery in Southern Oregon.  “Darrow” refers to the dominant soil profile in the home vineyard.  As winemaker Kiley Evans notes, “Malbec is one of the real stars in the Rogue Valley because it shows a consistent ability to ripen while at the same time being sensitive to vintage variation.”  2017 was an unusually cool vintage with the last Malbec picked in early November.  And the wine, blended with 21% Cabernet and aged for 20 months in 50% new French oak, is a show stopper.  Dark in color, it displays layers of blueberry, licorice, and leathery aromas mingled with hints of thyme and cassis.  The whole package is more elegant and refined than blockbuster, powerhouse.  It finishes with persistent fruit flavors joined by light toasty oak spice and refined tannins.  341 cases made.