Malbec on the rise

darby · Post by **darby** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 2:04 pm

Just came across an article in praise of Malbec, a passe variety that doesn't want to pass away. http://www.localwineevents.com/Wine-Articles/125-1.html

I also note Ferngrove Vineyards King Malbec is picking up some accolades, including a gold medal at the AAVWS.

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 2:44 pm

I'd hardly say this is the herald of malbec being on the rise, just a bit of navel gazing from whoever this author is.
Apparently Argentina does a good job with Malbec, I've even tried one (Dolium I think), and it was pretty nice - but you can do as well or better here at the same price or cheaper, partly thanks to our tax system.

AB

JDSJDS · Post by **JDSJDS** » Sat Dec 03, 2005 3:06 pm

Count me in on the Argentiam Malbec craze (or whatever it is). I've been trying and buying as much Argentinian Malbec as I can over the last 2 years.

The great thing about Malbec, at least here in North America, is that even the QPR priced Malbecs (around 20-25 here in Canada) can offer some quality drinking. And there seem to be many more producers' wines available over the last couple of years. Catena and Norton have been around a while, but companies like Alta Vista, Trivento (the Concha y Toro-owned Argentian branch), Luca and Melipa have arrived lately. I know the range (and prices, of course) just aren't equivalent in Oz.

I like the flavour profile Malbec offers, it ages pretty well, and prices are reasonable.

I tried the Ferngrove King Malbec once last year at an Oz tasting, and was impressed. It will be interesting to see if more Oz producers start experimenting more with it. I think it has better potential than all those wishy-washy Italian varietals (Barbera, sangiovese, etc.) that seem to be sprouting everywhere. I don't mean the varietals are wishy-washy, but I've yet to taste a great New World example -from Oz, the U.S. or anywhere else in the New World. They are even trying to grow them here in BC (yech!).

Who else is making a 100% Malbec wine in Oz?

Kieran · Post by **Kieran** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 8:29 am

Woodlands do two Malbecs, one cheap and one expensive. The cheap one is good...I think the reserve was sold out when we visited.

Bleasdale Malbec is a great quaffer.

Someone donated a Pepper Tree Reserve Malbec (Hunter) to a club dinner this year. It was weird.

Kieran

Chuck · Post by **Chuck** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 8:41 pm

I think Bleasdale or another Langhorne Creek producer does a good sparkling malbec. Never tried but good from all reports,

Chuck

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Sun Dec 04, 2005 8:47 pm

I tihnk Tahbilk do a Malbec every now and then as well - not 100% sure though,

Mike Hawkins · Post by **Mike Hawkins** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 3:54 am

I agree with JDS. There's some good Malbec at the higher end from Argentina. My local bottlo in NY has continued to increase shelf space for Malbec, so it must be selling well.

darby · Post by **darby** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 6:18 am

Tahbilk have ceased production of Malbec. When I visited in Jan 05 they had the last vintage (2002 from memory) on sale at the cellar door. My optimism about the variety stems from the fact that at least seven of the 172 new wineries listed in Halliday's 2006 companion are using the variety.

Varietal Malbec probably will always play a minor role in Australia, but it will have a small and enthusiastic fan club. The Argentinians have used it for decades to make cheap plonk, but now are applying modern techniqes to get very good results by all accounts.

The earlier comment about navel gazing by the writer of the article which prompted me to start this thread may be close to the mark. Could be true. Author Jennifer Rosen lists belly dancing as one of her accomplishments.

Wizz · Post by **Wizz** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:23 am

darby wrote:Author Jennifer Rosen lists belly dancing as one of her accomplishments.

Sharkey · Post by **Sharkey** » Mon Dec 05, 2005 9:48 am

darby wrote:Tahbilk have ceased production of Malbec. When I visited in Jan 05 they had the last vintage (2002 from memory) on sale at the cellar door.

I too visited Tahbilk in Jan 05 and bought some of their malbec. It was 2000 vintage.

I'm sorry to hear they aren't making it anymore.

vintry · Post by **vintry** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 4:59 am

Coincidentally I had a Cahors recently. A Chateau Cedre Le Prestige 2001. It was a staining purple colour akin to a full throttle Durif from Rutherglen. The reaction from everyone around the table was just "WOW" when it was poured into glasses. The nose was initially very closed but after a half hour of breathing and siwrling it opened up to reveal aromas of dark olives, herbs, hints of meatiness and lush dark fruits with a hint of charcoal(carbon) even. On the palate, it was full bodied with similar elemenal and primary fruit flavours of licorice, dark plums but with a backbone of minerality, and a long drying finish. My first experience with a good Cahors and it was mindblowing. I believe this wine will age for 15-20 years easily. I know I will be getting some to cellar!

Ian S · Post by **Ian S** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 5:09 am

Cahors used to be a great option for a cheap wine of big depth when I first took an interest in wine. It seemed to lose it's way as prices rose, interest dropped & some makers tried to make more modern versions. I think the rise of Argentinian Malbec has oddly spurred them on to compete.

Big Dave · Post by **Big Dave** » Fri Dec 09, 2005 3:01 pm

I agree the Cahors can be a good ager - I had a 1990 Pech de Jammes I think in around 98 or 99 and it was very very special, especially for the price.

I agree the Ferngrove is a good nut and I vaguely remember having the Three Hills malbec (Happs) at the WA food and wine fair earlier this year which had plenty to it. I heard that Marribrook down in Mount Barker have just released their first one too.

Cheers

Dave