Château Malbat - Bordeaux Supérieur 2012

Château Malbat has been in the Rochet family since 1865, when it was boldly purchased by Alphonse in the middle of the phylloxera epidemic. The estate has been passed down through four generations so far and is currently being run by Fabienne, Martine, and Daniel Rochet. The thing that stands out to me most of all about their family, other than their exceptional wine, is that they are always investing in the future of the vineyard and winery, readying everything for their children to one day take over.

They have nearly 150 years of winemaking tradition that they apply each year and teach to the next generation. All the while they continue to modernize their winery with state of the art equipment. Most recently, they've applied sustainable development to all their farming practices to ensure eco-responsible winemaking for the future. I expect we'll see even greater wines from Château Malbat and the Rochet family in the years to come.

This award-winning blend of 80% Merlot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautiful ruby red when held to the light. Fresh fruit aromas of red cherry and mulberry burst from the glass. This medium-bodied wine is fruit-forward with that wonderful, wild cherry flavor that Merlot is known for, with beautiful soft tannins. There is also a light mineral flavor that comes out on the smooth, lasting finish. This is the perfect, everyday Bordeaux to be paired with barbecued red meats, like steak or burgers. Or you should try to put a few bottles away for the beef stews and cassoulets of fall and winter.