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SHOP / 2021 Red Willow Malbec

Varietal

100% Malbec

Appellation

Yakima Valley AVA

Aging

Drink Now or Age 5-12 Years

Vineyard

Red Willow Vineyard

2021 Red Willow Malbec

The signature characteristics of Malbec are unmistakable. Whether used as one of the five grapes in the class blends of Bordeaux or grown in the high elevation of the Andes Mountains in Argentina, Malbec always exhibits assertive leafy black fruits, blueberries and plum characters with firm, ripe tannins. The magenta hue around the glass rim gives another clue to its identity and no other grape benefits more from the dramatic swing between day and night temperatures (diurnal shift). Here in Washington State, this holds especially true at the renowned Red Willow Vineyard in the remote western corner of the Yakima Valley AVA.

$65

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94 Points – Previous Vintage

— James Suckling

94 Points – Previous Vintage

This is floral, with notes of blueberries and cherries, as well as dried herbs, mandarin peel and wet earth. Medium- to full-bodied with a chalky texture and firm, slightly chewy tannins. Its big and lengthy, but delicate and mellow. Delicious. Long blue-fruit finish. Better after 2024. – James Suckling

April 2023

Additional Scores:

Pairing Suggestion

Perfect with steak, brisket, grilled burgers, mushroom toast and hearty cheeses like Comté or white cheddar.

Behind the Wine

2021 Red Willow Malbec

Since the winery’s inception in 1992, DeLille Cellars has partnered with Red Willow Vineyard, home to some of the oldest vines in Washington State. Tied directly to the origin of wine grape growing in the state, the initial vines were planted under the viticultural direction of Dr. Walter Clore, who is widely considered the father of Washington wine. The venerable Master of Wine, David Lake, DeLille Cellars’ consulting enologist in the formative years, introduced founding winemaker Chris Upchurch to vineyard owner Mike Sauer, forging a relationship essential not only to the winery, but also to the narrative of Washington wine.

Vineyards

Red Willow, one of Washington’s most renowned vineyards, was founded in 1971.

Winemaking

Single Vineyard Malbec from Red Willow Vineyard. Cold soaked for 24-36 hours. 52% fermented on skins for 10 days, and 48% spent 40 days on skins. Aged for 20 months in 100% French oak (35% new).