Kaiken, Ultra Malbec 2014, Mendoza, Argentina

Tasting Note: A fragrant malbec with concentrated fruit that presents a grown-up version of the grape infused with New World sensibility laced with hints of Old World style.

Deep purple in color this wine has an aromatic nose of wild raspberry, blackberry compote, red currant and dried cherry along with cedar and vanilla baking spice.

The aromas meld together and balance each other well so much so you may choose, like I, to spend a full five minutes with your nose bobbing in out of your glass before taking your first sip.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied malbec shows grippy, medium-plus tannin on the attack followed by the blend of red and black fruit suggested on the nose.

The wine plays between your mid-to-back palate with medium acidity and a hint of tartness around the back edges of your tongue.

The wine finishes with subtle, fine-grained cedar notes that like a fishing-rod floater, bob just above the surface of the fruit.

Bottle Note: Kaiken Ultra wines are sensuous and elegant, crafted with the expert skills of winemaker Aurelio Montes, Jr., using grapes selected and hand-picked from the best sectors of our Uco Valley vineyards in Mendoza. This is a pure malbec that has been aged for 12 months in French oak. It is very generous wine, dark ruby-red in color. On the nose, there are lovely violet and chocolate aromas. On the palate it is voluptuous, with silky, perfectly balanced tannins, and lingering red fruit and blueberry flavors.

This wine was submitted for review.