Cathedral Ridge Winery 2018 McKinley Springs Vineyard Reserve Malbec, Horse Heaven Hills $48

Several vintages ago, Washington state’s largest vineyard at 2,800 acres welcomed this Hood River winery to its list of storied clients. Among those is Columbia Crest, which used McKinley Springs fruit in the 2005 Reserve Cab that was Wine Spectator’s No. 1 wine in the world in 2009. With that background, it doesn’t surprise us to see Cathedral Ridge amass 11 Platinums in the past two years — including this perfumy Malbec. Sweet spice, leather, Chukar Cherries, vanilla and mocha help tell the story, as will a pairing with lamb, elk or burgers. Qualifying award: San Francisco Chronicle (double gold)

Rating: Platinum • 93 points

Production: 400 cases

Alcohol: 14.3%

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