Rodney Strong 2013 Reserve Malbec

In addition to Malbec, small amounts of Cabernet Sauvignon, and Petit Verdo were blended in. Aging took place over 22 months in largely French oak, 25% of the barrels new. The wine shows a dark ruby almost opaque color. Blackberry, raspberry, mocha, vanilla, oak & licorice all arrived on a deceptively complex nose. Blackberry, black cherry, vanilla, mocha, raspberry, oak and hints of mint followed on the palate where the mint dissipated as the wine opened up. The wine exhibited excellent structure and good length, along with moderate tannins.

The 2013 Reserve Malbec was created in a small lot artisan cellar. Winemaker Greg Morthole employs techniques such as cluster pre-sorting, berry sorting, and extended maceration. With small tanks and equipment sized for the most discriminating vineyard selection process, our cellar is state of the art and represents the Klein family’s commitment to producing the finest wines possible.

92% Malbec, 4% Cabernet Sauvignon & 4% Petit Verdot

Alcohol: 14.5%

90 POINTS - "This dark ruby colored Malbec from Rodney Strong was well received by the Tasting Panel. It opens with a fragrant black raspberry bouquet with hints of oak, cinnamon and black cherry. On the palate, this wine is medium bodied, balanced, and juicy. The flavor profile is a mild cherry-cola with notes of minerality. We also detected hints of black raspberry, nutmeg and strawberry licorice. The finish is dry and its fades away nicely. " - KWGTP

89 POINTS - "Deep garnet colored, the 2013 Malbec Reserve has notes of crushed black plums and blackberries with hints of lavender, dried herbs and chocolate box. Medium-bodied, it has a firm frame of grainy tannins and seamless freshness supporting the youthful, muscular fruit, finishing long." - Robert Parker's Wine Advocate

Rich, lush and structured, the 2013 vintage displays intense aromas and flavors of blackberry, black currant, cassis and crushed violet. It is velvety with a smooth, lingering finish of toasty baking spices, vanilla and cocoa. Enjoy this wine now with braised short ribs, roasted leg of lamb or roasted root vegetables or lay a few bottles down in your cellar to enjoy in 4 to 6 years.