Introduction
Malbec has traveled a fascinating path, from its ancestral roots as a rustic grape in South-West France to its global stardom in the sun-drenched, high-altitude vineyards of Mendoza’s Valle de Uco and Paraje Altamira. For decades, Argentina has defined the world’s perception of this bold red varietal. But today, a new frontier is emerging, producing some of the best Malbec wines you’ve yet to discover: Washington State.
At Cellar Beast Winehouse, we are redefining what premium Malbec can be. We make small-batch Malbec wines that show the purity, precision, and power of the Pacific Northwest. We work with three renowned vineyard sites: Candy Mountain, Red Mountain, and Yakima Valley, to craft wines that showcase the unique qualities of each location. These terroir-specific bottlings showcase the incredible diversity of Washington Malbec. Whether you're looking to buy Malbec online, book a guided tasting, explore a complex Malbec Reserve, or secure your share of a limited release through our wine club, you’ve discovered the heart of Washington's Malbec revolution.
Browse our Malbec collection →
What Makes a Malbec Wine the Best?
The signs of world-class Malbec include intense dark fruit flavors, hints of plum, cocoa powder, and violet, and a smooth finish. This finish shows careful aging and balance. These classic flavor profiles are the foundation, but what elevates a good Malbec to one of the best is its expression of place, its structure, and its balance.
Historically, Malbec, whose parent grape is Magdeleine Noire de Charentes, was a workhorse grape in France, often used to add color and fruit to classic Bordeaux blends alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. While it struggled in the damp French climate, it found a perfect home in the arid, sunny vineyards of Argentina.
Now, Washington State is writing a new chapter. Washington Malbec differs from Argentine Malbec from Luján de Cuyo, French Malbec from Cahors, and Chilean wines. It has more acidity, minerality, and a balanced structure. It is like a modern mix of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Bordeaux precision. This is thanks to Washington's significant diurnal temperature shifts, which allow grapes to develop deep flavors while retaining crucial acidity. Furthermore, Washington Malbec, like strong reds such as Cabernet Sauvignon from Napa Valley, can age very well, developing complex tertiary notes over time.
At Cellar Beast, we amplify these exceptional traits by:
- Sourcing from Premier Vineyards: We select sites with ideal sun exposure and soils that are rocky, sandy, or loamy, which impart mineral complexity.
- Practicing Minimal Intervention: We let the fruit shine, resulting in wines that are authentic and have minimal residual sugar.
- Prioritizing Balance: We harvest grapes that exhibit perfect ripeness, concentration, and structural integrity.
Yakima Valley Malbec
Terroir: As Washington's first AVA, Yakima Valley boasts sandy and loamy, well-draining soils. Its defining feature is the dramatic diurnal shift, with long, sun-drenched days and cool nights that preserve the grapes' natural acidity.
Flavor Profile: This terroir translates into a Malbec with vibrant energy. Expect notes of black cherry, red plum, espresso, and a distinct floral lift of violet. Our expression is aged in neutral French oak to preserve its bright aromatics and fresh, elegant character.
Buy Yakima Valley Malbec Online →
Red Mountain Malbec — Scooteney Flats Vineyard
Terroir: Red Mountain is a powerhouse wine region. Its terroir is defined by volcanic rock, high solar intensity, and persistent winds. The warm days are balanced by cool evening airflows from the Yakima River, allowing for optimal ripening.
Flavor Profile: This is Malbec at its most structured and intense. The wine showcases deep blackberry, dark cocoa, and a signature graphite minerality leading to a long, powerful finish. Our flagship Malbec Reserve wine comes from this site, boasting age-worthy tannins and profound elegance.
Candy Mountain Malbec
Terroir: Washington’s smallest AVA, Candy Mountain, is a unique, warm site with stony, shallow soils on south-facing slopes. This excellent drainage and heat accumulation result in grapes with exceptional concentration.
Flavor Profile: This Malbec is plush, ripe, and opulent. Look for notes of rich plum, vanilla, and warm baking spices. It is aged with a portion of new oak to enhance its bold, spice-driven finish and add hints of marcona almond and toasted wood.
Best Cellar Beast Malbec Wines to Buy Online
Inside the Cellar — Crafting the Best Malbec Wine
At Cellar Beast, every small-lot Malbec is a testament to our hands-on, artisanal philosophy. Each batch is fermented in micro-lots, often using native yeasts to capture the vineyard's unique microbiome and add layers of complexity. Some modern winemakers are also experimenting with fermentation in concrete vats, which helps maintain a stable temperature and preserves the purity of the fruit without imparting additional flavors.
We employ a minimal intervention approach and a rigorous barrel selection process. This ensures only the best wines become our Malbec Reserve. Our approach to extended aging is meticulous and tailored to each vineyard:
- Neutral French Oak (Yakima Valley): Preserves the fresh fruit and vibrant acidity, allowing the wine to retain its natural character.
- Mixed French & Minnesota Oak (Candy Mountain): Adds layers of spice and texture to complement the ripe fruit.
- New French Oak (Red Mountain Reserve): Provides structure, complexity, and the tannins necessary for long-term cellaring.
We get Malbec grapes from chosen partner vineyards in Washington. We do not grow grapes on our own land in PA. This allows us to work with top AVAs, such as Red Mountain and Candy Mountain. We also champion viticultural methods that respect the land, drawing inspiration from biodynamic principles that focus on creating a healthy, holistic vineyard ecosystem. Every decision is made to let the voice of the vineyard shine through.
Discover our Malbec portfolio and find the bottle that resonates with your style, and read more about Malbec Vineyards.
Perfect Food Pairings for Malbec Lovers
The balanced structure and bright acidity of Washington Malbec make it exceptionally versatile at the dinner table. Here are some ideal food pairings:
Classic Pairings:
- Grilled Red Meats: The tannins in Malbec are a perfect match for the richness of grilled steak, lamb chops, or gourmet burgers.
- Hard Cheeses: Pair with aged cheddar, Manchego, or a robust blue cheese.
- Earthy Dishes: Mushroom risotto, roasted root vegetables, or black bean burgers complement the wine's dark fruit notes.
Modern & Adventurous Ideas:
- Smoky BBQ: The fruit-forward nature of Malbec pairs beautifully with smoked brisket or ribs, complemented by a tangy sauce.
- Spiced Cuisine: Try it with mole poblano, spiced lentil stews, or dishes with complex, savory herbs.
- Game Meats: Venison or duck provides a savory counterpoint to the wine’s fruit and structure.
Serving Tips:
- Serve at a slightly cool temperature, around 60–65°F.
- Decant for at least 30 minutes, especially for the Reserve bottlings.
- Use a large Bordeaux-style glass to allow the aromas to open up.
Beyond the dinner table, Malbec’s versatility shines. For a refreshing twist, try making a Malbec Sangria by combining it with brandy, orange liqueur, and fresh citrus fruits. Its bold flavor also makes it an excellent base for creative wine-infused cocktails, adding depth to classic recipes.
For those interested in wine tourism, a trip to Washington's wine country is a must. Visiting the Walla Walla Valley and surrounding AVAs provides an unparalleled opportunity to see the unique terroir firsthand and taste these exceptional wines at their source.
Why Cellar Beast Malbecs Belong in Every Wine Club Cellar
When you join our Wine Club, you gain more than just wine; you gain access to the heart of our craft.
- Early Access: Be the first to try our limited-release Malbec and Malbec Reserve bottlings.
- Exclusive Savings: Enjoy 10–15% savings on all wine purchases.
- Curated Tastings: Receive invitations to exclusive events, including vertical tastings of our Red Mountain Malbec.
- Discover Small-Lot Gems: Get a first look at our most unique and sought-after wines.
Buying the Best Malbec Wine Online
Finding and purchasing your next favorite Malbec has never been easier. At the Cellar Beast Winehouse online store, you’ll find:
- A secure, user-friendly checkout process.
- Convenient Malbec delivery to most U.S. states via our shipping partners.
- A satisfaction guarantee—we stand behind every bottle we craft.
- The perfect source for collectors, enthusiasts, and anyone looking for a memorable gift.
Conclusion — Taste What Defines the Best Malbec Wine
At Cellar Beast, we combine thoughtful, precise winemaking with Washington’s powerful terroir to craft what we believe is the best Malbec wine available online. If you like the soft feel of Candy Mountain Malbec, the strength of Red Mountain Malbec, or the grace of Yakima Valley Malbec, our collection of full-bodied red wines has something you will remember.
Malbec is growing beyond the terroir of Mendoza, Argentina, into places like San Juan, La Rioja, and even New Zealand. Our Washington Malbec sets a new standard for bold and balanced red wines made from Malbec grapes. We invite you to taste the future of this noble grape. Read more about New Wine Varietal and Regions here.
Shop Our Malbec Wines or Join the Cellar Beast Wine Club for a unique tasting experience.
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.
Next Reads: For Drinkers Who Actually Buy What They Learn
You’ve got the short list of killer Malbecs. Here’s where to deepen your bench with terroir, Washington focus, and bold-red comparisons.
- Best Malbec Wine: Discover Washington’s Vineyard-Driven Malbecs – Drill into the Washington bottles that show Malbec at full power.
- Best Malbec Vineyards & Washington’s Terroir for Malbec – Understand why these bottles taste the way they do before you stock the cellar.
- Malbec Wine Taste — What to Expect in Every Glass – Sharpen your palate so you can tell great Malbec from just-okay Malbec on the first sip.
- Malbec Grape: Bold Guide for Serious Wine Buyers – For buyers who want the viticulture and winemaking story behind their favorite picks.
- The Best Wines to Buy Right Now: Award-Winning Reds, Whites & Sparkling from Cellar Beast – Build a mixed case that doesn’t miss—Malbec and beyond.
If your cart isn’t full by the time you finish these, you weren’t ready for Malbec in the first place.
