Surprising California Malbec

2011 Michel-Schlumberger Dry Creek Valley Malbec.

Despite my awful passive storage, this wine has help up well. Not necessarily if you are looking for "Big Fruit" (as an AFWE, I am not always), but if you are searching for lovely earthy character, black plum, etc. Less than 14.5% abv. also. But what really stood out was this flavorful tobacco character that sang with the ribs.

Happily, I have some more bottles of this wine!

I should check M-S out again. Several years ago, I really enjoyed their wines, which tended toward these less fruit-driven characteristics. Then, it seemed like they went through a patch where the alcohols jumped up a point/point + to almost "hot" in character. Wonder how they are doing now.

Are they related to Domaines Schlumberger in Alsace? That's a reliable if not stellar producer.

I looked up the three white/rose Dry Creek current releases from Michel-Schlumberger. The rose of merlot is 14.1% and the chardonnary and viognier weigh in at 14.8! At what point is it clearly misleading the customer to describe a chardonnay as "crisp, bright"?

Looking forward to Broctacular next month!

Are they related to Domaines Schlumberger in Alsace? That's a reliable if not stellar producer.

I looked up the three white/rose Dry Creek current releases from Michel-Schlumberger. The rose of merlot is 14.1% and the chardonnary and viognier weigh in at 14.8! At what point is it clearly misleading the customer to describe a chardonnay as "crisp, bright"?

Looking forward to Broctacular next month!

Yes! I have been culling clubs, but this is one I will keep. I think I am going...I should buy my ticket!

I thought M-S really went down hill after about 2012. Heavy fruit and alcohol. I am assuming they changed winemakers.

On a related note, this happened at Carneros' Bouchaine winery as well. Mike (one of the founders of Acacia) retired, and his protégé was not appointed to replace him. I just did not like the latest wines, to be honest. They seemed...clumsy. I don't like caramel flavors in my Pinots.

Oh well, things change. Sometimes for good, sometimes not.