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Hat Ranch Winery 2011 Malbec, Snake River Valley, $27
By Great Northwest Wine on June 12, 2015
Arena Valley Vineyard, one of Idaho’s largest and fascinating plantings, gave birth in a cool year to this cherry-driven Malbec from Tim Harless’ inaugural vintage. His two-year barrel program in the Sunnyslope Wine District shows an even hand with light toast, pluot, Smith Bros. Wild Cherry Throat Drops and black pepper. There’s an explosion of fruit on the palate with Bing cherry, Red Vines Licorice and plum with boysenberry acidity. The tannin structure akin to finely ground espresso beans gives the wine pleasing length.
Rating: Recommended
Production: 70 cases
Alcohol: 13.4%
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