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2016 Tenor Malbec

Removed from a professional wine storage facility; Purchased upon release; Consignor is original owner

Ends Sunday, 7pm Pacific

RATINGS

92+ The Wine Advocate

...chocolaty black and blue fruit expressions and subtle oak spice tones. Medium to full-bodied...bitter dark chocolate, blueberries and dusty plum essence before turning to dark red fruit, black raspberry and cherry across the mid-palate. The wine concludes with a tannic edge and lingering river rock essence.

92James Suckling

Very attractive, ripe dark fruit, earth and crushed red flowers that are boldly expressed and lead to a palate full of rich dark-plum aromas and flavors. The structure is fluid yet sturdy and delivered boldly for enjoyment...

92Jeb Dunnuck

...plenty of upfront oak yet backs it up with beautiful blue fruits (smells like a blueberry pie), chalky minerality, and complex, incense, spice, and floral notes. It's ripe, has beautiful purity, a fleshy, sexy texture, and no hard edge, all making for a thrilling wine.

90Stephen Tanzer

...cassis, blackberry, violet and licorice. Then high-pitched and dense on the palate, communicating an element of tension to its savory flavors of black cherry and spices complicated by graphite and flowers... Finishes firmly tannic but not dry.

PRODUCER

Tenor

Tenor is a prestige label owned by the Otis family of Washington, who also own Matthews winery in Woodinville, near Seattle. Matthews was founded in 1993 by Matthew Loso and in 2008 the Otis family, who already owned a financial share of the winery, bought out Loso. In 2012 the Otis family, headed by Cliff and Diane Otis, bought out the remaining owners to become sole proprietors. Matthews Cellars was one of the first wineries in Woodinville, which is now home to nearly 100 wineries. The Otis family includes several adult sons who help run the business and who have created Tenor, which makes a Bordeaux-style blend, Syrah, Chardonnay Malbec, Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon Blanc and other wines.

REGION

United States, Washington, Columbia Valley

Columbia Valley AVA is larger than some states. At 18,000 square miles, or 11 million acres, the appellation covers almost half of Washington State and a small part of Oregon on the south side of the Columbia River. Established in 1984, Columbia Valley contains numerous sub appellations within its boundaries, including Yakima Valley AVA and Walla Walla AVA, both large and important wine districts. Columbia Valley AVA, generally called the Columbia Basin by Pacific Northwesterners, is in the Columbia River Plateau, and the AVA also includes a section of northeastern Oregon. There are dozens of microclimates within this appellation of about 7,000 vineyard acres. Many kinds of grapes are grown in the Columbia Valley, though the principal grapes planted are Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Chardonnay, Riesling, Syrah, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc. Eastern Washington experiences very hot summers and cold winters, and the northern latitude means that Washington vineyards receive several more hours of sun in the summer than California vineyards. Grapes in Washington therefore have time to develop significant tannins and overall ripeness.

TYPE

Red Wine, Malbec

This grape produces a dark red wine with plenty of tannins. It is one of the six grapes allowed for blending red Bordeaux wines. Malbec is also the flagship variety of Argentina. The grape needs a lot of sun and heat to mature. It adds complexity and intensity to blends.

VINTAGE

2016 Tenor Malbec