Lot 518 | 2023 Napa Valley Malbec 750ml

Lot 518
2023 Napa Valley Malbec

750ml
$22.00
/
Available for purchase in the U.S. only excluding AK, DE, HI, RI, UT.

$60/bottle under the original label

Lot 518 is a 100% estate-grown small lot Malbec from an apex vintage, sourced from a winery located on the valley floor under multiple generations of stewardship. A marvelous expression of the varietal containing plenty of depth, structure, and wonderful concentration, it’s crafted in the vein of Reserva high altitude offerings from Argentina, and a “Malbec for a Cab drinker” through and through. Our source hand-picked the fruit and then headed for the cellar, where the bunches remained intact during fermentation to add complexity before settling into top-of-the-line French oak.

Black and blue fruits abound on the nose, mingling with cherries and shaved granite that showcase a wonderful depth, drawing you deeper into the glass. On the palate, the wine reveals a compelling core of blue-to-black fruit alongside notes of raspberry compote, grilled meat, and an intricate structure. Medium+ acidity and finely integrated tannins promise excellent aging potential, while the concentrated and precise finish unfurls with delicate spice, cassis, blueberries, and violets over a clean, dry exit.


14.3% alc

Overall rating: 4.516129 / 5 from 31 reviews.

AI Generated Review Summary

This 2023 Napa Valley Malbec offers bold, powerful flavors with surprising depth and excellent value, making it a worthy alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon. It's a passion project from a world-class producer, grown in estate-owned vineyards with meticulous care. The wine presents a complex mix of black and blue fruits, cherries, and spices, with a medium acidity and finely integrated tannins.

Summary topics

  • Value for Money: 24%
  • Malbec Flavor Profile: 48%

Review topics: ["flavor","value","price","malbec","wine","tannins","bottle","notes","merlot","overtones"].

Review highlights

  • "This wine shows what a good Merlot can achieve and is a very worthy alternative to a cab at an excellent value." — Dan B.
  • "A pure steak wine, great tannins, pure flavor." — John D.
  • "I love Malbecs and I thought this was a very good example." — Kathleen K.

Reviews

Very delicious bottle for the price

"We are pleasantly surprised with almost every bottle we get from De Negoce. It is hard to beat the prices. This Malbec was smooth and easy to drink."

— Charlie B. (4/5)

WOW

"If you are a fan of Malbec, then don't miss out on this stunner! 10/10 and would have to say one of my best purchases so far on this site. Highly recommended!"

— Steve N. (5/5)

Hidden Gem

"This Napa Valley Malbec is an excellent wine. Forget about how reasonable the price is, it would be worth the value at twice the cost. This was honestly one of my favorite Malbec wines, I was really impressed by the deep structure and floral notes with a long smooth finish. Very drinkable. Much more complex than the Malbec's you find in stores at comparable prices. This wine has made me a true Malbec fan!"

— Mike S. (5/5)

Needs more time

"Pretty decent fruit flavor, nice Malbec boldness, but there's still a bit too much tannins that need to be tamed a bit. Maybe a little more time will accomplish that."

— Steven T. (3/5)

Great Malbec

"I’ve gotten into Malbec’s recently so was looking forward to trying this one. I wasn’t disappointed. If you enjoy a good Malbec, you’ve found one here."

— steve m. (5/5)

Solid wine at a good value

"I usually don't go for Malbec's but the description sold me on it. Opened with family and let decant for about an hour before drinking. Everyone really enjoyed it - it might need another few months to develop so we are waiting on popping the next bottle."

— Tyler N. (4/5)

Remarkably approachable for a young Malbec

"Remarkably approachable for a young Malbec, while still holding a strong tannin background. If you are waiting on your recently made Cabs to age, jump in with this one to buy time. Strong offering at this price."

— Jeff C. (4/5)

Smooth

"We really enjoyed this Malbec. We don’t usually finish a bottle in one day, it was still good the next day."

— Randell H. (5/5)

Excellent value - classic, quality Napa Malbec.

"This was quite an attractive Malbec, which has some of the firmness I generally associate with the varietal, but along with a suppleness, sweetness and richness that is often missing. I like a quality Californian malbec, and this really fits the bill. There is good concentration and richness, with nothing awry. For malbec fans, this is a no-brainer and great quality, especially for the humble price. This will only improve with time too. I ended up buying a couple more. This was even better on day #3, showing even more sweetness and power. 93++pts."

— John M. (4/5)

Malbec

"Excellent wine great price/value"

— John C. (5/5)

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