2016 Forgeron Malbec

Happy Sunday!  I am happy to report that I got a lot accomplished today, including my laundry and going to see the new Star Wars movie, it was not that great, but I suppose given what they had to work with it was as good as could be expected.  In any case, tonight I've decided to open a bottle from a recent wine club shipment from Forgeron Cellars, the 2016 Malbec.  This wine is a 100% Malbec from the Stone Tree Vineyard in the Wahluke Slope AVA of Washington.  So let's see how this one is shaping up!

The wine is a deep inky black at the center with bright garnet along the edges, just as you'd expect from a Malbec.  The nose exudes aromas of leather, graphite, anise and smoke, that is often present from wines produced in the Wahluke Slope.  The taste is a rush of ripe berries and plum that transitions easily to some earthy notes of sage and dried herbs before some white pepper spices comes out at the finish.  The tannins are dusty but well integrated, creating the foundation for the wonderfully velvety smooth, dry finish that lingers on the palate.

Overall, I would rate this wine a solid 9, as it's right up there with the 2014 Vintage as a favorite Malbec.  This wine sould paird well with a variety of dishes, from classic steaks to barbecue to pizza, but tonight I am enjoying this wine with a simple bucatini Bolognese for a nice, hearty Sunday dinner that pairs so well with this wine.  Cheers!