2012 Red Willow Malbec

YAKIMA VALLEY AVA

The signature characteristics of Malbec are unmistakable. Whether used as one of the five grapes found in the classic blends of Bordeaux or grown in the high elevation of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, Malbec always exhibits assertive leafy black fruits, blueberries and plum characters with firm, ripe tannins. The magenta hue around the glass rim gives another clue to its identity and no ocher grape benefits more from the dramatic swing between day and night temperatures (diurnal shift). Here in Washington State, this holds especially true at the renowned Red Willow vineyard in the remote western corner of the Yakima Valley AVA.