Malbec Reserve 2018

Outstanding! 94 points & Gold Medal, GreatNorthwestWine.com, "...pioneer Earl Jones planted the five primary Bordeaux varieties when he established Fault Line Vineyards in 1995, but Malbec has been the chosen one from the start. Its footprint has been expanded over time and now accounts for 7.5 acres — nearly 10% of Abacela’s 76 acres. Within those documented 25 variety site trials, Malbec falls within the “consistently great wines” category, and our panel would agree. This effort by longtime winemaker Andrew Wenzl attracted immediate attention in the glass for its elevated level of extraction, enjoyable inky approach and stylish notes of blackberry, black cherry and bacon. The oak influence is attractively balanced across that broadly structured midpalate, which brings along secondary hints of earthiness, anise and lavender."; 90 points, VinePair.com; Cellar Select - Oregon Wine Press, March 2023