Kaiken Malbec Ultra Review
Kaiken Malbec Ultra comes from Mendoza, Argentina.
Per the tasting notes I received with this wine, fruit was sourced from the Uco Valley. Three different vineyards were selected as sources due to their individual characteristics and superior terroirs.
Grapes were hand-picked and then hand-selected in order to “avoid any unwanted elements” prior to crushing.
After fermenting for one month, the wine was then aged for 12 months in French oak barrels. Finally, it was lightly filtered prior to bottling.
The varietal is 100% Malbec.
I’ve also reviewed Kaiken Ultra Cabernet Sauvignon. That wine is 90% Cabernet Sauvignon and 10% Malbec.
For more information about the winemaker, check out the Kaiken Wines website.
Kaiken Malbec Ultra – Tasting and Review
I tasted the 2013 vintage of Kaiken Malbec Ultra.
Kaiken recommends a 30-minute decanting period to “bring out the full range of delicious flavors and aromas.”
They also recommend serving this wine at 59-63 degrees Fahrenheit.
Sample received for review purposes.
Appearance
Kaiken Malbec Ultra is deep ruby in the glass. It’s a very dark wine with little to no light able to shine through.
When the glass is tipped this wine really coats it up! Slow falling legs then form and glide down the sides of the glass.
Aroma
The wine is very aromatic. I let it sit in my glass for quite some time and noted wafts of black fruit aromas from a good foot or two away.
The aroma is long lasting and enjoyable and includes notes of pungeant black berries and maybe a bit of spice.
If there was a sting of alcohol, it was well masked by the wine’s deep aroma.
Kaiken Malbec Ultra alcohol content 14.5% by volume, per the bottle.
Taste
Not surprisingly, the wine’s flavor was very juicy, rich and fruit forward.
I noted blueberry and black cherry predominantly, with no perceived bitterness.
Very enjoyable!
Mouthfeel and Tannins
The wine’s mouthfeel is milky and the tannins are soft and supple.
There is a nice dryness all over the palate from the tannins that balances very well with the wine’s flavors.
Finish
The finish is long and lasting with subtle herbs that reveal themselves towards the end.
It’s also balanced equally between the wine’s flavors and tannins.
Overall Opinion
Overall, I can’t say enough good things about this Malbec!
This wine is extremely well balanced and well crafted, in my opinion.
Highly recommend. This may be one of the best Malbecs I’ve ever tasted!
Not surprisingly, this particular wine and vintage is rated over 90 points by several industy publications.
Kaiken Malbec Ultra price $21.99.
Suggested Food Pairing
Kaiken suggests serving this Malbec “with casseroles or not too elaborate red meat dishes, or just enjoy with ripe cheese.”
I couldn’t agree more.
