Cabernet with Malbec works and let’s hope the next few decades sees a much greater use of Malbec in blends. Malbec brings deep colour, fruitiness and aromas that Cabernet does not show. It can overwhelm the partner so up to say 40% is about right. Let us recall the Leasingham Cabernet Malbecs of the 1970 which sold out upon arrival. Orlando back in 1975 when they created the first blend of Jacobs Creek, the Shiraz-Cabernet-Malbec 1973 praised the addition of Malbec. That Malbec was from company vineyards at Merbein though for the 1974 vintage they used Malbec from Padthaway. These wines are a long time ago and we ask – what happened?
Australian wine became very conformist by the 1990s best illustrated by Jacobs Creek becoming a single variety Shiraz. For this Stonevale the Malbec has transformed the Cabernet into something special. Malbec has a tasty, sappy-fruity, menthol character so how much to add must be carefully measured. Malbec is very popular in Argentine and the best of them from Mendoza, the wine capital, fetch high prices. It is time for a Malbec revival.
