A recent vertical tasting of 2-Hawk’s Malbec was a real eye-opener. The 2018 reviewed earlier at WineReviewOnline was impressive, but this vintage came across as even more concentrated and layered. Blended with 8.5% Cabernet Sauvignon and a splash of Merlot and Cabernet Franc, it was wild yeast fermented and aged for 22 months in small oak, 28% new. Deep and dark, it quickly opens in the glass to show deep plum along with blueberry and black olive. The flavors are similar but with added notes of licorice and light oak. Concentrated with a pleasing rounded texture, it has refined tannins and a solid framework that will enable it to age well.
2-Hawk Vineyard & Winery, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Malbec 2019
By Norm Roby