The 2009 Malbec was a barrel sample possessing a very deep garnet-purple color and slightly reduced aromas giving way to a compelling perfume of blackberry compote, pepper and tar. Medium to firm tannins and medium to high acidity structure the rich, concentrated medium to full bodied palate. Long finish. Drink 2011 to 2017. Twenty-five years ago Mark Davidson started Tamburlaine as a boutique winery, in the days when the Hunter had only 20-25 wineries. Today he produces around 100,000 cases of wine from vineyards in the Hunter Valley, Orange and Mudgee – all Australian Certified Organic (though this is not automatically accepted by USA labeling standards).Around 65% of Tamburlaine’s sales are domestic with a very strong mailing list following. These Reserve wines are not currently available in the USA but a selection of Tamburlaine wines are imported by Guardian of the Grape, Cary, NC.; www.guardianofthegrape.com