There is lots of Malbec on store shelves these days – mostly from Argentina, where they have 50,880 acres planted. Regrettably, there are only 1,346 bearing Malbec acres out of a total of 448,957 acres of vineyard in California. Yorkville Cellars, in Mendocino County, is one of the handful of produces growing the variety in the state. They have a particular fascination with the grape and the result as been finding new ways to express its depth.

Yorkville Cellars 2011 Sparkeling Malbec

Grape(s): 100% Malbec

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 25-30

Review:

A bouquet of strawberries, raspberries, and nectarines greets the senses. A sip delivers flavors of red berries and apple with a slight nutty suggestion. Semi-dry yet not lacking in fruit flavors, fans of clean, approachable sparkling wines will enjoy this bottle.

Rating: 90

 

Yorkville Cellars 2011 Sweet Malbec

Grape(s): 100% Malbec

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 20-25

Review:

Aromatics of raspberries, pomegranate, and strawberries meld with a suggestion of cotton candy on the nose. Flavors of bright raspberry and boysenberry emerge on the palate along with hints of red apple. Fairly light and lively, fans of a semi-sweet, effervescent rosé, will enjoy this bottle. Less than 300 cases produced.

Rating: 88

Yorkville Cellars 2010 Malbec

Grape(s): 90% Malbec and 10% Merlot

Region: Mendocino County

Price: 25-28

Review:

Aromas of blackberries and blueberries meld with suggestions of earth and herbs on the nose. The palate delivers slightly tart blueberry and bramble fruit flavors, backed by notes of damp earth and a hint of spice. A lighter wine, lacking the heavy tannins often found with the variety, fans of smooth, dry, earthy reds will enjoy this bottle. Under 600 cases produced.

Rating: 88