Clayhouse Vineyard, Paso Robles (California) Malbec 2008

Tasted blind alongside Malbecs from Argentina, this wine excelled for the ripeness of its fruit character and its soft and smooth texture.  While it is undeniably oaky in flavor and in its tannins, the ripe and plumy fruit on the fore-palate balances the rear-palate oak nicely.  The wine has depth and refreshing acidity, and finishes with flavors of ripe fruit.  An interesting wine that offers far more than the typical $15 red.