2012 Judge Palmer Malbec Bavarian Lion Vineyard

Wine: 2012 Judge Palmer Malbec Bavarian Lion Vineyard
Estate: Judge Palmer
Vineyard: Bavarian Lion Vineyard
Region: Knights Valley, Sonoma County, California

Location: Judge Palmer Sample Tasting at home on 2/25/2016

Tasting Note:
Wine was bright ruby red with moderate intensity and clear edges. Tight nose to start, had a few floral notes like violets, some vanilla, and some interesting dark fruits that we could not put our finger on, it was not black cherry but similar with quite a bit of acidity. Undertones seemed a little creamy with cinnamon and some ashes. Light initial attack that started out thin and got thicker as it moved across the palate. Moderate plus tannins (7/10) with solid moderate body that pulls itself together near the finish. Lots of acidity. Crisp and refreshing with a long finish. The strength of the acidity was honestly very surprising for a malbec out of California, not something we were use to. We decanted for an hour and a half prior to tasting. Drink till 2023.
Rating: 91+
Price: $$ - $40.00 from the Estate.

2013 Frisinger Family Vineyards Malbec

Wine: 2013 Frisinger Family Vineyards Malbec
Estate: Frisinger Family Vineyards
Region: Diamond Mountain District AVA, Napa Valley, California

Location: Drank at home on 1/22/2016

Tasting Note:
Frisinger Family vineyards is located in the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley and was purchased back in 1981. Initially the Frisinger Family started off with selling off their grapes to major producers such as Beringer and Chateau Montelana. Since then Karl Frisinger, the son of the first generation owners (Jim and Karen), has turned this estate into a small production/boutique winery that produces a Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon and a specialty red, which at the moment is a Malbec. The winemaker is Karl Frisinger and for the 2013 Malbec they used all French Oak barrels for 24 months.

Decanted for around four hours. Deep and intense dark purpleish ruby. Powerful nose with a ton of dark fruits and baking spices, like blackberries and cinnamon. Whenever we smell a think caramel, it reminds us of an Aussie Shiraz. A little heat and something slightly medicinal underneath all the pleasantries. Moderate plus tannins (6.5/10) and moderate body. Heavily extracted and rich. Slightly savory long finish. Honestly we were not expecting much after the disappointing experience with the Frisinger Cab a couple months ago, (must have been an off bottle, it was splendid at the estate in October) but this Malbec is why we ordered a shipment from them!

Rating: 91

Price: $$ - $57.50 from the Allocation List, email Karl Frisinger in order to get on the allocation list.

2012 Lyeth Meritage

Wine: 2012 Lyeth Meritage
Estate: Lyeth Estate

Location: Sonoma County, California

Winemaker: Katie Carter
Elevage: Unknown
Varietal: 35% Merlot, 32% Cabernet Sauvignon, 28% Cabernet Franc, 3% Malbec and 2% Petit Verdot 

Decant: PnP

Location: Drank at home on 2/7/2016

Tasting Note:

Lyeth is a winery out in Sonoma County that specializes in Meritage wines. Pure ruby red and bright foam. Slightly savory and earthy to start on the nose with a little bit of black cherries. Really enjoyed the nose on this one. Light overall mouthfeel with moderate tannins (5/10) and crisp light to medium body. Soft black cherries throughout that changes to cassis as it breathes. Short to moderate finish with slight acidity that dies off quickly. Overall a great wine for under $15.00, would use this as a great refreshing, lighter, everyday drinker. We really want to try to find their other wines to give them a shot.

Dates: Now

Rating: 88

Price: $ - $14.83 at Total Wine & More

2013 Vilafonté Series C

Wine: 2013 Vilafonté Series C

Estate: Vilafonté

Region: Paarl, South Africa

Winemaker: Martin Smith

Elevage: 22 months in 60% new French Oak.

Varietals: 58% Cabernet Sauvignon, 21% Merlot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 8% Malbec.

Decant: Unknown

Location: Tasted at Vilafonté on 12/18/2015.

Tasting Note:

Not as approachable as the 2012 Series M. Wine was an opaque purple that coats the glass. A little tight to begin. Started out with cassis, anise, wet stones and a little savory meat. Palate was a little harsh to start. Slightly savory with some meat and black pepper notes. Heavy tannins (7.5/10) and full bodied. Grips the front of your mouth and the mid palate, also has some nice fur to the mouth feel. Long and lingering finish. Needs time to fully integrate, give it at least another year or two and continue to drink over the next 15 or so years. A ton of potential in this bottle!

Dates: Drink from 2017 till 2032.
Rating: 91+
Price: $$$ - From Cape Ardor for $95.00

2012 Vilafonté Series M

Wine: 2012 Vilafonté Series M

Estate: Vilafonté

Region: Paarl, South Africa

Winemaker: Martin Smith

Elevage: 18 months in 60% new French Oak.

Varietals: 48% Merlot, 35% Malbec and 17% Cabernet Sauvignon.

Decant: Unknown

Location: Tasted at Vilafonté on 12/18/2015.

Tasting Note:

Favorite of the two Vilafonte produced wines today. Wine was a thick ruby red with purple hues that coats the glass with each swirl. Very complex nose. First hits you with some black currants and black cherries. Which turned more savory with time. Notes of baking spices, dried herbs, smoke, cigar box and a little leather. Palate was just as savory as the bouquet. Started off with some oregano and moderate plus drying tannins (6.5/10). Full bodied Merlot-led bordeaux blend. Very fry finish that sticks around. Very well balanced and structured. This will definitely benefit from aging and can easily last 10 years. Absolutely delicious and will only improve with time.

Dates: Drink till 2026.
Rating: 93+
Price: $$$ - From Cape Ardor for $80.00