Blends can be beautiful. Take the best of two varietals, and then build them into something even better.  When done right, it’s like something straight out of Voltron, the Power Rangers, or Captain Planet.  By their powers combined, the wine is more awesome. Malbec is one of the heroes of the Mendoza region, and some of the Cabernets make great side kicks. So does 2013 San Felipe Oak Cask Cabernet Malbec transform into a hero, or is this dynamic duo missing something? 

Sight: There’s no doubt from the body or the edge that 2013 San Felipe Oak Cask Cabernet Malbec contains something a little firmer than Argentina’s typical Malbec.  The inky center expressed outward through reddish purples, and is complemented by magenta edges.

Smell:  The spice and the oak are the first things that jump out on the nose.  After they introduce themselves with hints of vanilla and mocha, the fruits start to build, pulling in blackberries, cherries, and plums.  Hints of menthol and herbs come as well.

Sip: 2013 San Felipe Oak Cask Cabernet Malbec starts smooth, and the weight immediate.  The Malbec benefits from body of the Cabernet’s presence, but also builds on the blackberry similarities, and picks up some of the herbaceous flavors.  There’s a brightness as well, and it plays well off the oak, which is present, but adds a lot of smoke, oak, and spice.  The spice is curious, almost pulling in a chili like note to add to the blackberries and plums.  [A.B.V 13.5%]

Savor:  The tannins are moderate, balanced by the two varietals, but grow a bit with the smokiness of the oak.  Some cherry and plum bleed through, but mostly the oak shines.

2013 San Felipe Oak Cask Cabernet Malbec is a little bit unbalanced.  There’s a lot of great flavors between the oak, the Malbec, and Cabernet Sauvignon, but they don’t build consistently on each other.  At one point the Cabernet is wining, then the oak takes a turn, and the Malbec sort of fills in the gaps.  It all works, but doesn’t collaborate to get to the next level. If you’re looking for a change from Cabernet or Malbec, and want something oaky, 2013 San Felipe Oak Cask Cabernet Malbec will fit the bill.

Verdict: Smoke, Blackberries, Unbalanced, Smooth
Price: $9.99
Mendoza, Argentina