2013 Lagier Meredith, Malbec, Mount Veeder, Napa Valley.
Steve Lagier and Carole Meredith’s mountain Malbec is a lovely rich wine with deep fruit, brambly spices and a lingering finish, it is neither a copy of a Cahors or an Argentine style wine, it is a red that they have made their own, and certainly one of the best and most compelling examples of this grape to be found in California. I would say this Malbec has more of a Bordeaux quality about it, almost Cabernet like in style with blackberry, dark currants (cassis notes), cherry and sweet plum along with cedar, briar, lavender spice and cigar wrapper leading on the full palate, and while this is a big mouthful of wine it doesn’t feel heavy, it reminds me a little of Ridge Monte Bello in it’s character and finesse, this is wonderfully crafted stuff. I adore this current set of wines from Lagier Meredith, and usually I would love the Syrah best, but this vintage I might just go for the Malbec! The Tribidrag a.k.a Zinfandel too really stands out, this is a winery to check out in a big way, these beautiful and textured mountain wines from up high on Mount Veeder offer a lot and are unique, especially this tasty and gripping Malbec. The tannins are firm, but refined giving plenty of structure and control without being aggressive and there’s enough acidity to lift the dense fruit, air and time in the glass reveals violets, white pepper, hints of vanilla and blueberry, this wine and the Lagier Meredith Mondeuse are very interesting Napa reds that deserve a little searching out, drink this 2013 Malbec over the next 3 to 5 years, it is an impressive wine!
($48 Est.) 93+ Points, grapelive