When it comes to full-bodied red wines, Malbec offers a rich and expressive alternative to Cabernet Sauvignon, with velvety texture, vivid dark fruits, and a smooth finish that can rival even Bordeaux’s finest. Though it rose to fame in the Andes Mountains of Argentina, its journey actually began in Bordeaux, where Michel Pouget introduced this noble grape—a blending grape in French Malbecs that has become a signature varietal in the New World. At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we’re exploring its depth in our small-batch, terroir-driven bottlings, sourced from some of Washington State’s most dynamic AVAs.
I’m Matt Check, head winemaker here at Cellar Beast. Our Red Mountain Malbec, Yakima Valley Malbec, and Candy Mountain expressions reflect the diversity of Washington terroir and our philosophy of minimal intervention and intentional oak use. Whether you're looking for the best Malbec for steak night or a cellar-worthy Reserva Malbec bottle to age until 2030, we have something special for you.
Browse our Malbec collection →
What Is Malbec Red Wine? Origins, Style & Characteristics
Malbec red wine originated in southwest France but gained global acclaim in Argentina’s Uco Valley and Luján de Cuyo, where high-elevation vineyards and intense sunlight helped develop its full-bodied character. These High Mountain Estate Vineyards produce Malbecs with dark cherry, cocoa powder, earthy notes, and floral notes like violets.
Typical Malbec flavor profiles include:
- Dark fruit flavors: blackberry, black plum, dark cherry
- Savory & spice: cocoa, licorice, mocha, and cracked pepper
- Structure: Moderate to firm tannins, good acidity, lengthy mid-palate
- Texture: Velvety, with a smooth finish
Whether it’s a Trapiche Malbec Oak Cask or a Catena wine, these characteristics form the hallmark of premium Malbec. Washington State Malbec shares this profile but leans into volcanic soils, diurnal temperature shift, and diverse aging techniques.
Key Terroirs & Styles to Know
Argentina / Mendoza (for context)
Classic Mendoza styles (e.g., Zuccardi Serie A, Dona Paula Los Cardos) from the Central Valley and Terrazas de los Andes offer plush fruit, lower acidity, and often stainless steel tanks for brighter fruit retention. These are great benchmark wines to compare with our more structured Washington Malbecs.
Washington State (our focus)
- Red Mountain / Scooteney Flats (2022 Reserve Malbec)
Our flagship Reserve Malbec is grown on the Scooteney Flats, where silt loam and high heat yield powerful tannins, earthy depth, and an age-worthy structure. This is our version of a Ceibo Malbec or Red Armenian Wine—a deeply serious bottle for collectors and carnivores alike. - Buy it here! - Yakima Valley (2022 Yakima Valley Malbec)
This AVA benefits from longer hang time and cooler nights, which enhance acidity and aromatics. Think of balanced flavors like black cherry, espresso, and sage. A more elegant expression akin to a French Malbec from the South of France. - Shop Yakima Valley Malbec Now! - Candy Mountain (2023 Candy Mountain Malbec)
At a higher elevation with more wind exposure and stony soils, this site yields expressive, lifted Malbec. We used 25% new Minnesota oak in the fermentation process for a spicy, distinct note—a bold experiment in our lineup. - Try our newest Malbec now!
Look for AVA labeling, oak usage (neutral vs. new), and reserve designations when selecting your bottle.
Best Cellar Beast Malbec Wines to Buy Online
Vineyard Spotlight — Scooteney Flats & Candy Mountain
Scooteney Flats (Red Mountain AVA) features volcanic soils, intense sunlight, and low rainfall. These factors encourage the growth of low-yield vines with high phenolic content. I employ a minimal intervention approach here, utilizing native yeast, gentle extraction, and long aging in French oak. This is where our Reserve Malbec gets its depth and earthy notes.
Candy Mountain offers wind, elevation, and rocky terrain. Our decision to use Minnesota oak added a new layer of baking spice and cedar, making this limited-edition Malbec stand out. It reminds me of tasting at Finca Piedra Infinita Supercal — where bold terroir meets a winemaker's daring.
Perfect Food Pairings & Serving Tips
Top food pairing tips:
- Best Malbec for steak: Red Mountain Reserve with grilled ribeye
- BBQ / smoked meats: Candy Mountain Malbec
- Earthy dishes: Yakima Valley Malbec with mushroom risotto
- Cheese: Manchego, Aged Cheddar, Gouda
- Vegetarian: Eggplant parm, mole sauce, black bean chili
- Dessert: Dark chocolate with low sugar
Serving tips:
- Temp: 60–65°F (16–18°C)
- Decant: 30–45 mins for Reserve & Candy Mountain
- Glass: Large bowl for aeration
How to Choose & Buy the Right Malbec
- Reserve or not? Go Reserve if aging or pairing with red meats
- AVA: Red Mountain = structure, Yakima = freshness, Candy = expressive
- Oak level: Candy has the most spice; Yakima has the least
- Malbec wine club? Join ours for exclusive bottlings and discounts
- Tasting kit? Ask for our Malbec vertical in your next booking
Discover our Malbec portfolio and find the bottle that resonates with your style.
Buying Malbec Online via Cellar Beast
Easy steps to order Malbec online:
- Go to Shop Malbec
- Add to cart
- Checkout (secure)
- Free shipping over $100
Shipping Policy:
- Outside PA? We partner with Vinoshipper (signature required)
- Malbec wine delivery is available to most states
Wine Club perks:
- Discount Malbec red wine pricing
- Early access to limited-release Malbecs
- Exclusive wine tourism events and tastings
- Learn more about Wine Club here!
Visit us: Book a tasting at our Andreas, PA, winery to try these Malbecs in a guided session.
Conclusion
Malbec red wine offers rich, full-bodied taste, expressive fruit, and site-specific personality. At Cellar Beast, our Washington Malbecs stand out due to their limited production, volcanic soils, oak finesse, and exceptional aging potential. Whether you're hunting for a premium Malbec bottle or diving into our Malbec tasting kit, there's something unforgettable here.
Shop our Malbec collection now • Join the Wine Club • Book a tasting
FAQ
- Is Malbec red wine good for aging? Yes—our Reserve Malbec can be cellared for 8–12+ years.
- How do I store it? Keep at 55°F in a dark, humidity-controlled space.
- Drink now or later? Yakima/Candy now; Reserve for later.
- Can you ship to me? Yes—via Vinoshipper outside PA.
- Tastings available? Yes, at our PA winery.
- Best for steak? Reserve or Red Mountain Malbec.
- Oak differences? Yes—Candy = Minnesota oak, Yakima = neutral.
- Malbec vs. Reserve? Reserve = deeper, longer-aged, more structured.
- Wine Club offers? Yes—discounts, early access, vertical tastings.
- Malbec subscription? Join our wine club for regular releases.
About the Author
Matt Check is the Head Winemaker at Cellar Beast Winehouse, where he leads production across all red varietals with a special focus on Malbec. He sources from Candy Mountain, Yakima Valley, and Red Mountain AVAs, blending vineyard wisdom with minimal intervention fermentation processes. With a background in both old-world and new-world wine styles, Matt crafts small batch Malbecs that balance terroir and structure. Visit our tasting room to experience Matt’s guided Malbec verticals or shop online for his latest creations.
