Wine Review: Bogati Malbec 2016

I've been very lucky to have a great relationship with the Bogati Family Wine Group from Virginia for over two years now. They have three labels with Veramar Vineyard, James Charles Winery & Vineyard, and Bogati Bodega & Vineyard. I've reviewed a bunch of their wines and you can read them here by looking under my Virginia labels. Whelp, they're back for more with two more wines starting with their 2017 JB Vidal Blanc and then their 2016 Bogati Malbec. And from what I hear there will be a bunch more on the way soon! I'm really looking forward to it.

James Charles Bogaty's parents came over to America from the Italian Alps, and his family in the old country still runs a small vineyard. So James thought he'd carry out his family tradition in Virginia. He bought his first vineyard in 1995, and in 2000 he and his wife Della founded Veramar Vineyards.  Their son Justin became the winemaker in 2001.

Well well well! A Malbec from Virginia! Look at you! As soon as I heard that Bogati was releasing this guy I just had to try it. So here it goes! No time to waste!

The color of the wine is a deep, dark garnet. And holy moly the nose is gorgeous! There's a calming minerality that lurks above the bold aromas of cherries, prunes, and a bowlful of lollipops. I could smell this all night! It's medium bodied with a slick mouthfeel, bitter tannin, and a tart acidity. In fact, it all gets a bit tart and bitter. There's flavors of tart cherries, raspberries, plum skin, and orange mandarin tea. The finish seems to go on forever with tart cherries and bitter orange. This is just so very different and so very good.

So what's my impression on my first Virginia Malbec? I dig it. I like how it's more perky with more bite, and less gritty. I've been getting tired of the Argentinian stuff for awhile now and I've really liked the Washington Malbecs I've had. So Malbec has been a weird thing for me lately. But with Malbec in Virginia, Bogati might be on to something here. Who'da thunk?

QUALITY VS PRICE RATING

Price: $28

Rating: 4/5 = Recommended (what does that mean?)

The bottle used was supplied free of charge for the purpose of this unpaid review. To have your wine reviewed follow this link.