I have tried a few malbec from both Washington and California (Mostly Washington) and they have all been a little disappointing. I mean how do you compete with Argentina in this category? Not only do they produce outstanding Malbec, they also bring it to us at ridiculously low prices. This is the first Malbec from Washington that delivers the goods for a reasonable price! This baby has some gusto on the palate. A nose of green bell peppers, black pepper, anise and blackberries. The wine is subtle at first on the palate but comes to life as it approaches the mid-palate showing vibrant blackberry, cassis, and black licorice notes. Hints of caramel hit you on the back end with a nice charcoal toast on the finish that is obviously from the oak but is not a dominate flavor. This is a well balanced wine with a decent to long finish. This wine is both complex and delicious with good acid for food pairing. The price is right and the wine is delicious even showing some nice minerality which is very similar to many good Argentinian Malbecs. A very good effort for this boutique Washington winery.