Kunde Malbec - A Smooth and Savory Splurge • Reverse Wine Snob®

A luscious Malbec from Sonoma Valley, the Destination Series Kunde Malbec.

The Kunde Malbec is 100% Malbec from Sonoma Valley, California. The wine was aged in small French and American oak cooperage (24% new) for 19 months.

Sample submitted for review. The Destination Series Kunde Malbec sells for $35 (Saturday Splurge) and is currently only available directly from Kunde.

From the bottle:

Malbec as a grape variety has quickly become a favorite here at Kunde Family Winery. Grown in the volcanic hillside soils, the black fruit flavors offer richness and structure to this food friendly wine. The complex tannins and bright acidity make it the perfect match to barbecued meats or your favorite wood fired pizza.
14.5% Alcohol

We love Malbec and while what we typically enjoy comes from Argentina, one of the more exciting things happening with this variety are the examples coming from places like California and Washington. Today we have another good one with the 2014 Kunde Malbec, part of their Destination Series of wines from Sonoma Valley.

The wine begins with an inviting aroma of black cherry, plum, spice, and lots of vanilla from its generous amount of time in oak. It tastes smooth and delicious in the mouth with lots of savory dark berry fruit beautifully laced with spice notes. It also features a wonderfully luscious mouthfeel and great balance. The wine ends dry with long-lasting tart plum notes that resolve into lingering touches of vanilla and tobacco.

I’d recommend decanting this one, or at least taking your time with it, as it continues to get even better as it has more air. (Also, an indication that it would likely age nicely in your cellar for a few years.)

Looking for more Saturday Splurge wines? Check out our list here!