2016 Amalaya Malbec ($16)

Amalaya wines was founded in Argentina in 2010 by Donald Hess of the Hess Family Wine Estates. The grapes are grown in the Calchaquí Valley in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range at altitudes as high as 5900 feet. This high altitude provides intense sun in the day and cool nights to produce concentrated fruit.

More than 75% of the world's production of Malbec comes from Argentina. This one, from Salta, is made from 85% Malbec and 10% Tannat and 5% Petite Verdot. One-quarter of the wine is aged for 8 months in French oak barrels. This lets the fruit flavors shine through with only a touch of oak flavors there to enhance the fruit.

This Malbec is a deep ruby red in color with nice dark fruit aromas of plum and black cherries. Cherry and Black Cherry flavors come right through along with a bit of peppery spice, moderate tannin, and a nice finish.

If you enjoy full-bodied red wines but prefer a bit less tannin, Malbec is for you. And this one from Amalaya is a fine one to choose!

Disclosure of Wine Sample Submission: I received this wine at no cost for review. The opinions expressed are entirely my own.

Sample Provided by Donna White Communications