Clayhouse, Paso Robles (California) Malbec 2010

 Clayhouse has built a good reputation for solid red wines with freshness and varietal correctness.  This blend of Malbec and Petite Sirah was tank fermented and aged in oak and stainless steel for nine months.  The color is a deep ruby and the aromatics show blueberry and spice. The forward flavors are a mouthful but the wine offers ripe berry and spice, 13.8% alcohol, great texture and length and no heat.  This value-wine can be enjoyed now or will develop more complexity with a few more years in bottle.