Paul Wallace Black Dog Malbec 2019 per Case

The 2019 Paul Wallace Black Dog Malbec is the eleventh vintage made from grapes produced on our own farm, Wallovale Vineyards. It is named after Jake, Paul’s beefy black shadow, a cross Labrador/Rottweiler, who was a puppy when we bought the farm in 2003. Jake is sadly no longer with us but two black labs, Angus and Becky, continue the legacy. The Malbec grape is also known as the Black Grape and it is this characteristic that has been incorporated into the name.

The three individual blocks that comprise our Malbec plantings each have their own unique profile due to different row direction and training systems. Each block was harvested separately, each contributing its own unique building block. Left on the skins for post fermentation maceration before being transferred into 225 and 300 lit French oak barriques, where MLF took place. The wine spent approximately 22 months in wood with a 20% new wood component. 24% was matured in a concrete egg, contributing towards the fruit driven profile and adding yet another building block to the final compilation.

Much like the dog the wine is dark in colour, well-muscled intense and full of character. The Black Dog Malbec presents with an intriguing somewhat exotic nose, conjuring up hints of blue berries, black berries, bramble, rhubarb and dark chocolate. The entry onto the palate is a satisfying fruit-filled mouthful of dark fruits linked by a thread of white pepperand nutmeg and held together with amiable tannins – just enough to contribute to food friendliness. The Black Dog Malbec is a truly memorable wine which reflects the natural elegance we have come to expect from Elgin wines.

The ideal accompaniment to red meat dishes, beef steak, game or slow roasted lamb or should it take your fancy, sit in front of a fire, sip slowly and dip into a bowl of pistachio nuts or biltong.

ALC 13.5%

AWARDS:

Platter 4.5 stars
National Wine Challenge 2023:
   - Top 100 SA Wines
   - Best in Class
   - Double Platinum award