We chose aMaurice Cellars Malbec 2016 of Walla Walla Valley from Washington to raise a glass to Veterans worldwide on Memorial Day.
From the get-go, we knew it was going to be red. The hardest part was to find wine fitting the occasion from our library.
Since Memorial Day is an American holiday, the wine should also be American. Cabernet Sauvignon was too obvious of choice and too omnipresent, so we aimed for something less common to reflect that there are fewer and fewer veterans every year who can still tell us about WWII.
As we thought of all of this and searched our wine library, we came across the 2016 aMaurice Cellars Malbec and realized that it is precisely what we need because it’s unique and rare, just like our veterans.
First, Malbec is hardly popular and widespread variety. Secondly, it comes from aMaurice Cellars, a boutique Washington winery from Walla Walla Washington. Lastly, the grapes for this wine came from Gamache Vineyard of Columbia AVA (appellation).
In only question left, can it stand to an occasion?
aMaurice Cellars Malbec 2016 Tasting Notes
As we poured this vivid deep purple wine into our glasses, the aroma of blueberry and morello cherry jam, milk chocolate ripe, warm raspberry filled the room.
A juicy, balanced palate with velvety tannin and refreshing acidity charmed us with flavors of ripe black plum, blackberry, jammy black currant, and dark chocolate with cacao nibs. The aftertaste of morello cherry jam lingered for a while.
So did it stand to the occasion? Yes, it did.
We made a roasted pork belly to compliment the wine, and they hit a home run together! The ripe berry forward profile complimented the roasted pork flavors; acidity and tannins balanced the richness.
Cheers to all veterans who fought for peace!
If you’re in search of an idea of what to pick for Memorial Day or another special occasion, check
