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Lopez Island Vineyards & Winery 2011 Malbec, Wahluke Slope, $26

By on April 10, 2013

Washington wineOwner/winemaker Brent Charnley began learning his trade in the late 1970s while hitchhiking through France, where he spent time working in vineyards in Bordeaux. Back in Washington, he worked at Mount Baker Vineyards before launching Lopez Island Vineyards & Winery in 1987. This makes him one of the state’s longest-tenured winemakers. In addition to his own estate grapes on Lopez Island, Brent also brings in warm-climate fruit from arid Eastern Washington. The grapes for this superb Malbec originate on the hot Wahluke Slope. It opens with alluring aromas of lilac, sage, sandalwood and cherry. On the palate, it is a bright, juicy wine with flavors of cranberry and plum, all backed with mild tannins and a solid core of food-friendly acidity. Pair this with pulled pork, prime rib or a mushroom stew.

Rating: Excellent

Production: 130 cases

Alcohol: 14%

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Articles authored by Great Northwest Wine are co-authored by Eric Degerman and Andy Perdue. In most cases, these are wine reviews that are judged blind by the Great Northwest Wine tasting panel.

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