Andrew Rich Columbia Valley Alder Ridge Vineyard Malbec - 2005 - 9.0 - James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez

Malbec is great; no Malbec is wondrous and I love it. But the Malbecs I like are from Argentina. California Malbecs tend to fall far from the tree and are so un-remarkable it makes me wonder why anyone would feel the need to buy a California Malbec or even worse grow it. I was beginning to think that an Malbec from the U.S. was something that would remain elusive. But I have changed my mind.  Andrew Rich’s Columbia Valley Alder Ridge Vineyard shows great artistry; such a unique Malbec. This Malbec is a different yet very memorable Malbec. This Malbec has gorgeous notes that speak back to it’s relations down in Mendoza. This wine has some kindred spirit to Oregon’s well known Pinots. This Malbec was not purple ink (please read I still adore and am passionate about Mendoza Malbec). The uniqueness here excited me and the winemaker understood what a Malbec grown in North America should become (few have understood).   I enjoyed the result; this wine has gorgeous plum confit, cardamom, Kadota fig, lavender honey, and white Muntok pepper.

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© 2007 James Meléndez / Jaime Patricio Meléndez