Paul Wallace Black Dog Malbec 2018

The 2018 Paul Wallace Black Dog Malbec is the tenth vintage made from grapes produced on our own farm, Wallovale Vineyards. It is named after Paul’s beefy black shadow, a cross Labrador/Rottweiler, named Jake. 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 it’s own unique building block. Left on the skins, post fermentation before being transferred into 225 and 300 lit French oak barriques, where MLF took place. The wine spent approximately 18 months in wood with a 20% new wood component. 15% 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, back currants and juicy red plums. The entry onto the palate is a satisfying fruit-filled mouthful of both red and black fruits linked by a thread of spice and held together with silky 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. Awards:

• National Wine Challenge / Top 100 SA Wines 2021
– Grand Cru, Best in Class winner
– Top 100 SA Wines
– Double Platinum Analysis:

Alcohol

13.0%

Residual Sugar

1.8 g/l

pH

3.49

TA

5.4 g/l