The continental climate in Colorado, with large temperature swings between daily highs and daily lows, and our high elevation combine to create ideal conditions for great tasting Malbec. However, we’ve also found that Malbec grapes are more sensitive damage from our cold winters.
Bookcliff produces two 100% Malbec wines: one is more fruit forward with no oak influence (our standard Malbec), and one aged in oak barrels for 12 months (our Malbec Reserve). Because Malbec has such a distinct flavor profile, we found that 5% – 6% blended into our Bordeaux-style Ensemble works best for us. Malbec, especially our Reserve Malbec, has been John’s favorite for several years. Which do you prefer?
From our staff – Suz Stewart
Malbec wines are dry, full-bodied, and exhibit a rich, dark fruit nose and flavors like blackberry and red plum. The Bookcliff 2020 is no exception: it’s juicy and jammy with vanilla, dark chocolate, and tobacco. With medium acid and moderate levels of tannins, this wine pairs well with food. Colorado Malbecs effectively reflect the terrior with high altitude wines that boast red fruit flavors and floral notes. I enjoyed mine with cheese tortellini with marinara, and it got even better the next day!
From our winemaker – Will Thompson
We harvested Malbec 2020 on October 10th, 2020 from our Heller Vineyard, aged it for 11 months in stainless steel, and bottled it on November 2nd 2021. We produced 360 cases total. By going quicker to market and aging in stainless steel, the plush, fruit-forward characteristics typical of Malbec are on full display. This is a lean wine that drinks smooth and is a simple pleasure all year round.
In contrast, the Reserve Malbec 2019 was harvested on October 5th, 2019 from our Hawk Ridge Vineyard. We aged it for 12 months in 40% 2nd use French oak barrels and 15% 2nd use American oak barrels, and we produced 184 cases.
Malbec is a versatile grape, and our Reserve Malbec is a great example when compared to our 2020 Malbec. This wine showcases much more density in terms of flavor and structure. The tannin is more robust than the 2020 Malbec due to longer barrel aging as well as being sourced from a vineyard site that lends itself to thicker skin on the grapes. The barrel aging also darkens the fruit profile and helps make a more complex and thought-provoking drinking experience.
From our club member – Mary Faust
The 2020 Malbec is a great pizza and burger wine, fruity on the nose and fruit forward. I don’t get an acid finish; it’s an easy drinking everyday wine but lacks complexity. It’s young. Will it have more character with time? I think l will choose Malbec Reserve going forward every time!
Awards
2013 Malbec – Double Gold and Jefferson Cup – Jefferson Cup Wine Competition
2014 Reserve Malbec – Double Gold – Jefferson Cup, Jefferson Cup Nominee
