Best Malbec Wine | Shop Washington Malbecs at Cellar Beast

by Kim McCullough

Malbec has traveled a fascinating path—from its Old World roots in Cahors to the sun-drenched peaks of Mendoza’s Uco Valley and Paraje Altamira. But today, a new contender has emerged for producing the best Malbec wines: Washington State. At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we’re redefining what premium Malbec can be, crafting small-lot Malbec wines that reflect the purity, precision, and power of the Pacific Northwest. You can also listen to this guide as a podcast; simply click 'play' below.

We work with three iconic vineyard sites, Candy Mountain, Red Mountain, and Yakima Valley, to produce terroir-specific bottlings that showcase the diversity of Washington Malbec. Whether you're looking to buy Malbec wine online, explore Malbec Reserve wine, or secure your share of limited-release Malbec through our Malbec wine club, you’ve come to the right place for full-bodied red wines.

Explore our Cellar Beast Malbec Collection →

🎧 Prefer to listen? Hit play to hear our Malbec wine buying guide from Cellar Beast Winehouse:

What Makes a Malbec Wine the Best?

The hallmarks of world-class Malbec include dense dark fruit flavors, notes of plum, cocoa powder, and violet, and a smooth finish that speaks to careful aging and balance. At Cellar Beast, we amplify these traits by:

Sourcing from premier Washington Malbec vineyards with excellent diurnal temperature shift
Selecting rocky, sandy, and loamy soils that add mineral depth
Using a mix of French oak and Minnesota oak to fine-tune structure
Practicing minimal intervention winemaking for authenticity, resulting in wine with minimal residual sugars
Employing thoughtful clonal selection and gentle extraction
Prioritizing malbec grapes that exhibit concentration and balance

Unlike Argentinian Malbec from Luján de Cuyo or French Malbec from Cahors or Chilean wines, Washington Malbec stands out for its acidity, minerality, and balanced structure—akin to a modern blend between Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Bordeaux precision. Similar to robust reds like Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, Washington Malbec also displays exceptional aging potential. Read more about Malbec Wine in this recent post.

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Washington’s Best Malbec Vineyards — The Source of Distinction

Yakima Valley Malbec

Terroir: Sandy and loamy soils, well-draining soils with long sunny days and cool nights.

Flavor Profile: Black cherry, red plum, espresso, and violet. Aged in neutral oak to preserve freshness and aromatics.

Buy Yakima Valley Malbec Online →

Red Mountain Malbec — Scooteney Flats Vineyard

Terroir: Volcanic rock, high solar intensity, and warm days balanced by evening airflows.

Flavor Profile: Blackberry, cocoa, graphite, long finish. Our flagship Malbec Reserve wine has age-worthy tannins and elegant minerality.

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Candy Mountain Malbec

Terroir: Washington’s smallest AVA with stony benches and excellent drainage.

Flavor Profile: Ripe plum, vanilla, baking spice. Aged in 25% new Minnesota oak for a bold, spice-driven finish with hints of maracona almond.

Buy Candy Mountain Malbec →

Learn more about Malbec Wines in our recent post.

Best Malbec Wines to Buy Online

Wine	Flavor Profile	Price	Notes
2022 Malbec Reserve — Red Mountain	Blackberry, cocoa powder, graphite, structured	$79.99	Club early access
2023 Candy Mountain Malbec	Dark fruit, baking spice, plush texture	$54.99	Limited Release
2022 Yakima Valley Malbec	Black cherry, espresso, lifted acidity	$38.99	Elegant and bright

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Inside the Cellar — Crafting the Best Malbec Wine

At Cellar Beast, each small-lot Malbec is fermented in micro-batches, using native yeast when possible. We rely on minimal intervention and a rigorous barrel selection process to ensure that only the finest expressions become our Malbec Reserve wine.

Oak Aging:

Neutral French oak (Yakima Valley)
Mixed French & Minnesota oak (Candy Mountain)
New French oak (Red Mountain Reserve)

Malbec grapes are handled gently, allowing for the integration of tannins and purity. Every decision in the cellar—from fermentation temperature to racking schedules—is made to bring out the vineyard’s voice. When evaluating Malbec grapes, we look for ripeness, color intensity, and mouth-coating tannins that signal a truly full-bodied red wine.

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Perfect Food Pairings for Malbec Lovers

Classic Pairings:

Grilled red meats, especially steak and lamb
Blue cheese, aged cheddar, manchego
Mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables

Modern Ideas:

Mole, BBQ brisket, smoked tofu
Spiced lentil stews, portobello burgers

Tips:

Serve at 60–65°F
Decant for 30 minutes (especially Reserve)
Use large Bordeaux-style stemware

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Why Cellar Beast Malbecs Belong in Every Wine Club Cellar

When you join our Wine Club, you gain:

Early access to limited-release Malbec
10–15% savings on all wines
Exclusive tastings, including verticals of Red Mountain Malbec
First look at Malbec Reserve bottlings and small-lot gems

Join the Wine Club →

Buying the Best Malbec Wine Online

Secure, user-friendly checkout at Cellar Beast Winehouse
Malbec delivery available in most U.S. states via Vinoshipper
Satisfaction guaranteed or your money back
Perfect for collectors, enthusiasts, and gift-givers

Conclusion — Taste What Defines the Best Malbec Wine

At Cellar Beast, we combine thoughtful winemaking with Washington’s volcanic terroir to craft the best Malbec wine available online. Whether you love the plush texture of Candy Mountain Malbec, the power of Red Mountain Malbec, or the elegance of Yakima Valley Malbec, our collection offers something unforgettable.

As Malbec expands its influence beyond Argentina into areas like San Juan, La Rioja, and even Napa Valley, our Washington-grown expressions set a new standard for bold, balanced red wines made from Malbec grapes. Read about Cellar Beast's Signature Wine Varietals and Regions here.

Shop Our Malbec Wines or Join the Cellar Beast Wine Club for a unique tasting experience

Best Malbec Wine FAQs

What makes the best Malbec wine stand out in terms of flavor?

The best Malbec wine is known for its plush dark fruit, velvety tannins, and hints of cocoa or spice. These wines often show rich blackberry and plum notes balanced by gentle acidity. Oak aging can add depth through vanilla and mocha tones. The result is a bold yet approachable style that appeals to many red wine lovers.

Which regions produce the best Malbec wine?

Argentina, especially Mendoza, is renowned for producing the best Malbec wine thanks to its high-altitude vineyards and consistent sunlight. These conditions create concentrated fruit and smooth structure. France’s Cahors region offers a more rustic, earthy take with firmer tannins. Both styles highlight the grape’s versatility and depth.

How should I pair the best Malbec wine with food?

The best Malbec wine pairs beautifully with grilled meats, hearty stews, and dishes featuring bold seasoning. Its richness complements char, smoke, and savory flavors. Malbec also works well with aged cheeses and mushroom-based dishes. Balanced tannins make it a reliable choice for many robust meals.

Is the best Malbec wine typically aged in oak?

Many of the best Malbec wine examples do spend time in oak, which enhances texture and complexity. Oak aging can add warmth, spice, and subtle sweetness to the wine. Some producers choose neutral or older barrels to keep fruit at the forefront. The style depends on the winemaker’s goals for balance and expression.

Does altitude affect the quality of the best Malbec wine?

Yes—altitude plays a major role in shaping the best Malbec wine. High-elevation vineyards offer cooler nights, which help preserve acidity and develop aromatic complexity. They also encourage thicker grape skins, leading to deeper color and more refined tannins. This combination produces wines with impressive balance and intensity.

About the Author

I’m Kim McCullough, co-founder of Cellar Beast Winehouse. I’ve spent years building connections between wine, land, and community. Alongside our talented winemaking team, I help select the sites, barrels, and experiences that bring you closer to the best bottles we craft. Whether it’s hosting tastings or curating our wine club membership, I’m here to help you explore the boldest expressions of Malbec wine from Washington State.

Join me in tasting what’s next — one premium Malbec bottle at a time.

Best Malbec Wine: Discover Washington’s Vineyard-Driven Malbecs

Kim McCullough

Owner, Co-Founder

Kim McCullough is the Owner and Co-Founder of Cellar Beast Winehouse, where her passion for wine, sustainability, and entrepreneurship drives every vintage. A certified Level Two Sommelier from the Wine School of Philadelphia, Kim combines her deep knowledge of enology with a refined palate, honed through extensive training in wine regions, grape varieties, and sensory analysis. Kim’s expertise lies in crafting terroir-inspired wines that capture the essence of soil, climate, and harvest. She works closely with top growers in premier wine regions to source exceptional grapes, ensuring every bottle reflects the vineyard’s unique character. Her favorite Cellar Beast creations, like Blanc de Noir and Primitivo, highlight her dedication to handcrafted, sustainable winemaking. In addition to her role as a winemaker, Kim manages a dynamic team, oversees HR and commercial sales, and designs wine-pairing experiences that elevate dining moments. Her background as an educator brings a unique perspective to Cellar Beast, fostering a culture of learning and innovation that resonates with wine enthusiasts and newcomers alike. Kim lives in Allentown, PA, with her husband and three daughters. Through her work at Cellar Beast Winehouse, she continues to blend artistry, science, and education to create wines that delight and inspire.

Best Malbec Wine: Discover Washington’s Vineyard-Driven Malbecs

Table of Contents

What Makes a Malbec Wine the Best?