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Thursday, October 27, 2016

Conspiracy Theories – Unmasking Malbec


The beauty (and sadness) of the wine world is that are far too many wines you will never try, which means there is so much to discover, you could literally have a new wine every night of your life and never repeat yourself. Sure, it’s safe to stay with Cabernet or Chardonnay from wineries you know…but why? The 2013 Cloak & Dagger Espionage Single Vineyard Malbec, 100% Malbec by the way, is made in Paso Robles and they made a measly 75 cases, but they should have made much more. If you think you know Malbec, you’d better think again. A seamless combination of boysenberry, black berry, pomegranate, black cherry, cedar and a back note of eucalyptus, sweet coffee and a mild acidity complements this rich, deep and wonderfully sumptuous red. Even two days after opening it still retains its structure, though admittedly with a more noticeable pomegranate and tart cherry notes. For wine geeks this translates to a 2 hour cold soak, 18 days on the skins, 20 months in barrel (1/3 new French oak, 2/3 neutral American oak). The wine was awarded a Gold Medal at the 2016 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition – and that’s well deserved! For anyone who loves wine (and I sincerely love this wine), this is one to try. Hard to find? Yep, and that’s not a conspiracy. Happily, and unashamedly I carry it at my wine department in the Upper Village at Montecito Village Grocery in Montecito, so while not easy to get a hold of (the winery or me unless I’m mistaken), it’s around, but like so many conspiracy theories it may vanish as fast as it came. CLOAK AND DAGGER

ORIGIN: Paso Robles, California
PRICE: $32/ 750ML
ALCOHOL: 15%
BOOZEHOUNDZ SCORE:  91 POINTS

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