Vinedos Malagon, Guadalupe Valley (Baja California, Mexico) 2017

 A small family owned winery, Malagon began in 1997 and has access to some of the Valley’s oldest vineyards.  For “Equua” the winemaker blends 70% Grenache with 30% Petite Sirah.  The Grenache vineyard is estimated to be at least 65 years old and the oldest block was planted by some Russian immigrant farmers.  The Grenache is aged in French oak, and the Petite in American oak for a combined aging regime of 18 months.  The wine is one big mouth filling adventure with loads of ripe dark fruit.  It is medium- to full-bodied with concentrated berry flavors, a hint of leather and dried herbs and oak spice.  Firm and structured, its ripe blackberry fruit continues into the slightly tannic finish.  This is not your typical old vine Grenache, but it is unusual now and likely to improve with another 5 years of aging.