Swiftwater Cellars 2011 Malbec, Columbia Valley, $38
This destination winery near the Cascade Mountains town of Cle Elum, Wash., came into its own under the direction of winemaker Linda Trotta, who has since departed, leaving the cellar in the capable hands of Andrew Wisniewski. This luscious Malbec opens with aromas of blackberry, black pepper, minerality and cocoa, followed by flavors of perfectly ripe plum and backed by assertive tannins. This is built for the long haul. This won a gold medal at the third annual Great Northwest Wine Competition.
Rating: Outstanding!
Production: 189 cases
Alcohol: 14.6%
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