YoungInglewood 2014 Malbec and Portuguese Sausage
The Winery
One of my favorite wineries in Napa Valley for so many reasons. First the owners are dedicated to making excellent boutique and artisan wines. Small lots with handcrafted TLC. Secondly I was there during their opening and still frequent them as often as I can for their great wines and unlimited hospitality. And another reason they are one of my favorite wineries is that the owners (Jim & Jacky) and Scott (son) along with Jacky making the wine, are some of the most genuinely gracious people in Napa Valley. Their daughter Mary is involved in the marketing/business of the winery. Also their Wine Education Director/Membership Director, a longtime friend Mark Simon is always there to help out in various capacities. Their label says so much about their wine with the balancing of the tightrope walker. You can read previous stories at:
https://californiawinesandwineries.com/2016/02/16/younginglewood/
Their wines, especially their Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon make my Best Wines of Year historically. This Malbec may also make this year’s list.
The Wine
This 2014 YoungInglewood Malbec has all the typical Malbec characteristics with dark fruit flavors and a light smoky finish and a generous finish. On the eyes a dark magenta color and medium viscosity. On the nose light smoky, plum and blueberries. On the palate, black cherry and pomegranate come through as does a slight coffee, mocha, leather and gravel earthiness. On the finish a tinge of vanilla & clove and soft rounded acid and tannins. They typically make 1-2 barrels a year. The current release, the 2016, sells for $95.
The Food Pairing
Paired this evening with a Rigatoni with Portuguese sausage and peppers. Prepared with bell peppers (thinly sliced and assorted colors), yellow onion, tomatoes, kosher salt, black pepper, fresh Italian parsley, fresh basil and topped with grated parmesan cheese. The wine with the fruit contrasted harmoniously with the meal.
Sláinte,
Michael
California Wines & Wineries 