The production of Malbec at Three Rivers has risen dramatically, and the new vintage seems considerably lighter and less complex than it previously did. Fruity and forward, it shows black cherry and cola flavors, with a light streak of licorice. — (7/1/2012) —87

Winemaker Holly Turner has a good touch with Malbec, finding the soft fruit core in the midst of the herbal scents and tannins. Plums, brambleberries and a dusting of licorice keep the wine interesting on through the smoky, earthy, extended finish. ——P.G.(11/1/2011)—— 90

This is 90% Malbec and 10% Cabernet Sauvignon; it’s dark, toasty, smoky, earthy and dappled with ground coffee flavors. The fruit holds its own—it’s tight and tart and firm, with plenty of blackberry flavor. This wine keeps resonating through the palate into a solid, textural finish.——P.G.(9/1/2010)—— 90

The Malbec—firm and muscular—is amplified with 23% Cabernet Sauvignon from the estimable Bacchus vineyard. The wine is dark, what some call brooding, with tight, spicy boysenberry fruit, wrapped in smoky tannins. It seems to be holding something in reserve, for it tails off after an auspicious beginning once it hits the mid-palate. Tannins are well-managed but astringent; this wine needs a few more years in the cellar to show its best. ——P.G.(11/1/2008)—— 89

The outstanding 2005 Malbec is sold only at the winery. Revealing a more saturated color than the blend, it has a more expressive aromatic profile of spice box, earth, black currant, and black cherry. Medium- to full-bodied, it has layers of sweet fruit, good integration of oak, tannin, and acidity, and excellent length. Give it 1-2 years to fill out and drink it through 2022. Tel. (509) 525-9463; www.threeriverswinery.com