This wine is dark purple with intense aromas of violets, blackberries, plums and clove spice. Drinking well now, but with the potential to be a long term cellaring prospect if desired. Lightly fined and racked before bottling without filtration, it is normal for some sediment to form. Decanting one hour before drinking is recommended. Bleasdale is not only one of the oldest wineries in the Langhorne Creek region, but one of the oldest in Australia. Frank Potts, who founded Bleasdale in 1850, has a fascinating history. Born with sea legs, he joined the British Royal Navy at 9 years old and served on Lord Nelsons famous ship HMS Victory. He sailed around the world before landing in South Australia in 1836. He planted the first vines in 1858 and sold fruit to Thomas Hardy. He then expanded the vineyards in the 1860s. He was an innovator and a pioneer who played his role in establishing Australias wine industry. The Potts family still own Bleasdale and descendants Michael and Ben Potts handle the winemaking duties, along with Paul Hotker. They make wines from fruit grown on their 61 hectares of vineyards from varietals like Verdelho, Shiraz and Malbec in sparkling, table and fortified styles. Each parcel of fruit is carefully selected to produce a range of wines that can be enjoyed immediately, or cellared for that special occasion.

A single vineyard site at 3500 metres in Agrelo Mendoza has produced a vivid 100% malbec displaying intense violet aromas over a core of red fruits with notes of cherries and raspberries . The wine shows excellent balance a fine backbone of fresh acidity and supple and elegant tannins from 14 months maturation in French oak barrels.

The 2013 La Violeta Valle de Uco Mendoza is a stunning representation of the renowned wines from Argentina's Mendoza region. This vintage is a true testament to the exceptional quality and dedication of La Violeta winery. On the nose, rich aromas of dark berries, plum, and black cherry dance with a touch of smoky oak and warm spices. The deep purple color of the wine is a preview of the bold flavors to come. On the palate, ripe black fruits are met with velvety tannins and a touch of vanilla, creating a well-balanced and elegant mouthfeel. This full-bodied wine has a long and satisfying finish, leaving behind notes of dark chocolate and a hint of tobacco. The 2013 La Violeta Valle de Uco Mendoza is a true gem from Argentina that is not to be missed.

Santa Julia is a clear example of the combination of the quality and diversity of Mendocinian soils, resulting in this modern wine. Aged in French Oak Barrels for 10 months. Ludicrously dark violet in colour, this Malbec has ripe red and black fruits aromas with notes of vanilla, chocolate and tabacco on the nose. It is medium bodied, with the classic soft tannins of a Malbec.

If you thought that Argentina was the only place to find fine Malbec, think again! Zonte's Footstep have triumphed with this luscious Langhorne Creek example boastinga berryfest of flavour, FIVE Gold medals and 93 points from Halliday: "Violets, boysenberries, redcurrant and leather. Bright and characterful at once. Sweet and vibrant through the mouth, dry and firm through the finish. Mid-weight. In lovely form...93pts" (Halliday).

Sevenhill was originally set up in 1851 when the Jesuits who settled in the area planted the Clare Valley’s first vines to produce sacramental wine. The estate’s wines, along with its old stone winery, stately St Aloysius’ Church, College building and spacious gardens has made the Sevenhill name famous. So much so that they have recently won the Gourmet Traveller Award for best Large Cellar Door in the Clare Valley! Ray Jordan gives their 2021 Malbec a solid 92pts, "Malbec is a variety that does rather well in Clare, especially as a major blending component with cabernet. Still this one does it solo, and it does it well. Lots of the distinctive red floral fruits on the nose have that stamp of malbec. Bright and alive on a high energy palate with plenty of ripe red fruit characters with chalky tannins and understated oak in support."