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108 { THE SOMM JOURNAL } OCTOBER/NOVEMBER 2015 Malbec Lineup Tasting notes by Jonathan Cristaldi Doña Paula 2010 Malbec, Alluvia Parcel, Tupungato, Uco Valley, Mendoza ($99.99) From the mineral and rocky soils of Finca Alluvia comes this medium to full-bodied wine of expressive blackberry and blueberry notes, spicy, firm tannins and a lofty tomato-skin note on the finish. Doña Paula 2010 Malbec, El Alto Parcel, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza ($99.99) From the clay soils of Finca El Alto, this full-bodied wine is redolent of red berry and plum skin mingling with blackberry, dried herbs, intensely mineral-driven on the palate and through a lengthy finish. Doña Paula Estate 2013 Black Edition Red Wine, Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza ($14.99) A blend of Malbec, Cabernet Sauvignon and Petit Verdot give way to a full-bodied wine deep purple in color, black fruit, violets, fine grained tannins underscore red licorice notes, chalky mineral finish. Doña Paula 2010 Selección de Bodega Malbec, Mendoza ($49.99) Sourced from Finca El Alto, Finca Alluvia and the calcareous and sandy soils of Finca Los Indios, the resulting wine is medium to full-bodied and loaded with violets and red raspberry notes along with a distinct graphite mineral character. Trinchero Napa Valley 2012 Forte Proprietary Blend, Napa Valley ($70) A rich concentrated blend boasting full-bodied spicy red and black fruit and subtle minty or eucalyptus notes. Trinchero Napa Valley 2012 Malbec, Haystack Vineyard, Atlas Peak, Napa Valley ($50) This estate vineyard is a flat-topped parcel on rocky well-drained soils and well-stressed vines deliver a wine of intense character, deep and dark berries, almost stewed fruit, mouth coating chewy tannins—a powerful full-bodied wine that needs time in the bottle. As the winemakers mused over their respective glasses of Malbec, Monticelli reminisced on his first fateful trip to Mendoza. "I had just returned from Argentina, and immediately replanted a plot of our land from Cabernet Sauvignon to Malbec." With a smile he continued, "I still believe in my heart there is a place for Malbec in the Cali wine industry. Fernández supported this senti- ment "I've been to this area [Stagecoach Vineyard] in Napa and at times and in places it looks like Mendoza." As Monticelli and Fernández continue to spread the word about Malbec, there is no doubt this varietal offers a wide range of styles and quality that are approachable at any price point and palate. Marcos Fernández, Head Winemaker for Doña Paula Estate, showcases his Doña Paula 2013 Black Edition Red Blend from Luján de Cuyo, Mendoza. Trinchero Head Winemaker Mario Monticelli talks Malbec and Napa Valley terroir with Kamden Watson, Director of Operations at The Butcher's Daughter in Venice, CA.