2021 Reserve Malbec
A blending powerhouse comes into the spotlight
$50
Retail
$40
About the Wine
The malbec grape hails from Cahors in southwestern France, just south of Bordeaux, where it is known as “Côt.” Malbec had been used mainly as a blending component in Bordeaux wines for many years before achieving its “rock star” status in Argentina. We typically would create a small amount of Malbec wine each vintage to potentially blend into our ISOSCELES Reserve and other wines; however, beginning in 2010, we made a small lot specifically for this limited release. We hope you enjoy another great vintage of this wine with our 2021 Reserve Malbec.
Tasting Notes
Body
Appearance
Near opaque purple core and a bright, almost magenta rim, with slow-forming, heavily stained tears.
Aroma
Aromatic with ripe blueberry, red plum, and blackberry fruit with savory notes of thyme and cocoa nibs followed by tobacco leaf, toasted oak, and vanilla spice. With time, fresh rose petal and violet floral aromas rise from the glass, followed by smoky and spice notes.
Palate
Nearly full-bodied with bold fruit character on the entry, including ripe red plum, black cherry, cassis, and raspberry preserves. The midpalate turns savory with new leather, fresh herbs, and a firm tannin structure. The finish exhibits sustained black fruit with rose petal accents, vanilla, baking spice, and subtle black pepper notes.
Key Features
Appellation
Paso Robles
Fermentation
Stainless steel open- and closed-top tanks with UV43 yeast and twice-daily pump-overs
Maturation
Barrel-aged for 21 months in 100% French oak (50% new)
Alcohol
15.5%
SUGGESTED FOOD PAIRINGS
Cheese and Charcuterie
The 2021 JUSTIN Reserve Malbec is a wine of both power and subtlety making it a very versatile pairing wine. Try this wine with a cherry glazed duck breast over risotto or with a nice picnic of salami with Dry Jack or Manchego cheese.