The Rogue Valley enjoyed an exceptionally long, coolish growing season in 2019. As a result, the winery’s estate grown Malbec was not harvested until mid to late October. The juice was wild yeast fermented, blended with 10% Cabernet Sauvignon and aged for 28 months in oak, 21% new, 61% neutral. Intensely dark, this Malbec is concentrated and needs some aeration to strut its stuff. The aroma is rich in berry fruit with definite dried herbs and thyme along with light oak and a floral background. Medium bodied, very tightly structured with a vibrant interplay of ripe fruit and tannin and a note of tobacco dominating the flavors. Overall, an exciting, multi-layered Malbec able to compete with the world’s best.
Padigan Ranch, Rogue Valley (Oregon) Malbec 2019
By Norm Roby