A dark color red grape used for wines, Malbec is a variety that creates wines with high tannins. A Hungarian peasant is thought to have brought the grape variety throughout regions of France and thus, the variety is said to be named after him. Other evidence points to the possibility that Malbec actually went by the name Cot, and originated in northern Burgundy. This thin-skinned variety grows well in sun and heat, and ripens in the middle of the season. The Malbec variety does not grow well in cold, and has sensitivity to frost. It can add plum aromas and deep flavors when blended with other varities. Malbec creates a dark colored wine and is one of the six grapes used in the blend to create red Bordeaux wine. The variety is often used in Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, and can be blended with Gamay or Cabernet Franc. These fine grapes produce wines very similar to Merlot wine and has been described as a “rustic” version of the popular wine, Merlot. This variety changes in flavor depending on the location it is grown in. In Argetine, the wines crafted with Merlot grapes include nice deep fruit and violet aromas. When cultivated in the Cahors region, these grapes yield raisin-like flavors and tobacco notes, and deep fruity flavors when grown in the United States, in Washington. The variety produces a signature dark red color and can be paired with poultry dishes, such as steak.
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Charles Krug Family Reserve Howell Mountain Cabernet Sauvignon is made from 100 percent Napa Cabernet Sauvignon.
Rising 1,650 feet above the Napa Valley floor on the southwestside of Howell Mountain, the Family Reserve Howell MountainCabernet Sauvignon sits above the fog line. The distinctiveclimate, along with volcanic and iron-rich red soils, producefruit with great balance and intensity.
Review:
The 2017 Cabernet Sauvignon Limited Release Cold Springs is the most distinctive of the wines in this range of limited-release Cabernets from Charles Krug. Gravel, licorice, menthol and spice all develop in a Howell Mountain Cabernet endowed with tremendous class and nuance.
-Vinous 92 Points
Quintessa Red 2022 is made from 93% Cabernet Sauvignon, 4% Cabernet Franc, 1% Carménère, 1% Merlot, 1% Petit Verdot.
The 2022 Quintessa is a charming wine, opening with intense aromas of black cherry and cassis that are complemented by notes of tobacco, bay laurel, cedar, and dark chocolate. Plush and inviting on entry, this wine’s flavors align with its aromas. The palate reveals dark fruits and an undertone of crushed rocks, tar, and graphite. On the finish, this vintage displays the signature fine-grained tannin of their Quintessa terroir, backed by voluminous texture and fruit.
Review:
Such an incredible wine here - one of the stars of the September releases. Smells amazing, cooling blueberries with fragrant blackcurrants, edges of florality - totally inviting scents. Full and filling in the mouth, this is ample with such a layered effect, super vertical and elongated. Tight and a little tense but it really works - such balance between black fruit, dried herbs, high acidity and a profound structure. Refined and beautifully presented. So much life, so much energy - this is pure class. A wine you don't want to put down. Feels hands off despite such concentration and power. Ends salty with sticky liquorice, mint and cooling wet stones. You could definitely drink this now but it will age too! 1% Merlot and 1% Petit Verdot complete the blend. One of the final few vintages with Rodrigo Soto at the helm - he stepped down last year to concentrate on his family project Far Mountain in Sonoma Valley which is worth following. Winemaker Rebekah Wineburg.
-Decanter 99 Points