Smasne Cellars 2012 Verhey Vineyard Malbec, Yakima Valley, $28
Prosser winemaker Robert Smasne continues to do a delicious job both as an ambassador for Malbec and Dave Verhey’s 2001 planting of the lesser-known Bordeaux grape near Union Gap, Wash. This represents one of Smasne’s larger bottlings, and it opens with aromas of dusty blueberry, black cherry, light toast and cracked black peppercorns. The palate funnels in racy flavors of blackberry jam and pomegranate. Enjoyable fine-grained tannins, caramel and more pepper make for pleasing length.
Rating: Excellent
Production: 336 cases
Alcohol: 13.9%
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