Cakebread Malbec

I realized that I don't really have a "go-to" Malbec, so I'm on a mission to find one, or at least try all the easily accessible ones. Last night I was at Safeway, and I saw the 2008 Cakebread Malbec. It was $18 on sale for $15 for Safeway club members. I thought this was a little pricey for a Malbec, but I was willing (if not excited) to "splurge" because I had a good feeling about this one; I figured for that price point, I could almost guarantee it would be juicy/jammy, not tart cherry. And sure enough, it did not let me down!

It was full bodied and rich on the palate, juicy with a slightly savory hint of salt. Jammy flavors of blackberry and plum lead to a moderate, but noticeably alcoholic finish. I like the savory/jammy combination, and I expected the alcohol (i think it's 14.5%?) which luckily mellowed out after a opening for a bit. All in all, I liked it.

Side note: I drank it alongside this sauteed chickpea dish i make. chickpeas, tomatoes, onions, garlic, cumin, etc. It wasn't perfect, but wasn't bad at all! I was surprised.