By: Daniel Ziegler

There are wines that announce themselves softly, inviting the drinker into a gentle conversation. And then there are wines like the Cellar Beast Winehouse | Red Mountain 2022 Malbec Reserve, which stride confidently into the room—bold, expressive, and unapologetically intense—yet refined enough to reward patience and contemplation. This bottle is not simply about power; it is about balance, intention, and the unmistakable signature of Red Mountain, one of Washington State’s most respected and character-driven appellations.

From the first pour to the final lingering note on the palate, this Malbec Reserve tells a story of meticulous winemaking, carefully chosen oak, and fruit grown in a place known for structure, depth, and age-worthy wines. Crafted under the direction of winemaker Matt Check, the Cellar Beast Winehouse Malbec Reserve stands as a compelling example of how Malbec can transcend expectations when placed in the right hands and the right terroir.

A First Impression: Visual and Aromatic Impact

In the glass, the 2022 Malbec Reserve presents itself with authority. The color is deep and saturated—an inky purple core fading only slightly at the rim—signaling concentration and maturity even at this early stage. This is a wine that looks as serious as it tastes.

On the nose, the bouquet unfolds gradually, rewarding a moment of patience and a proper swirl. Initial aromas of blackberry and black cherry rise first, ripe and generous without tipping into over-ripeness. As the wine opens, layers of plum emerge, followed by more nuanced floral tones—violets that add lift and elegance. Beneath the fruit lies a darker, more brooding complexity: dark cocoa, subtle baking spices, and a whisper of oak-derived warmth that hints at the wine’s time in barrel.

The aromatic profile is rich but not cluttered, offering clarity and depth in equal measure—a hallmark of thoughtful winemaking.

Tasting Notes: Lush Fruit Meets Structure

On the palate, the Cellar Beast Winehouse Malbec Reserve delivers exactly what the nose promises—and more. The fruit is lush and layered, with blackberry, black cherry, and plum forming the core flavor profile. These primary fruit notes are vibrant and expressive, yet never feel sweet or heavy-handed.

What sets this wine apart is its structure. Firm, grainy tannins frame the fruit beautifully, providing a tactile backbone that gives the wine seriousness and longevity. These tannins are assertive without being aggressive, gripping the palate just enough to remind you that this is a wine built for food and aging.

Balancing the tannic structure is a vein of brisk acidity, which keeps the wine fresh and energetic from start to finish. This acidity lifts the fruit, sharpens the flavors, and ensures that each sip feels complete rather than overwhelming.

The influence of oak is subtle but purposeful. Aged for 14 months in French oak barrels—with 20% new oak, 20% second-use, and 60% neutral barrels—the wine gains depth and complexity without masking its varietal character. Notes of spice, cocoa, and a gentle toastiness weave seamlessly into the fruit, adding dimension rather than dominance.

The finish is long, dry, and resonant, with dark fruit, savory undertones, and lingering tannins that invite another sip.

The Power of Red Mountain

Red Mountain may be one of the smallest AVAs in Washington State, but its reputation is immense. Known for its warm climate, southwest-facing slopes, and well-draining soils, Red Mountain consistently produces wines of intensity, structure, and remarkable aging potential.

In this Malbec Reserve, the appellation’s influence is unmistakable. The wine’s 14.9% ABV is a natural result of Red Mountain’s sun exposure, yet it never feels hot or unbalanced. Instead, the alcohol contributes to the wine’s richness and mouthfeel, enhancing the fruit while remaining integrated.

This is a Red Mountain wine through and through—bold, muscular, and expressive, yet disciplined and precise. It showcases the region’s ability to elevate Malbec into something truly distinctive, moving beyond its more familiar expressions and into a realm of serious, cellar-worthy red wine.

The Winemaker’s Touch: Matt Check

Behind every great wine is a guiding hand, and in this case, that hand belongs to winemaker Matt Check. Known for his focus on balance, structure, and site expression, Check’s approach is evident throughout this bottle.

Rather than pushing the wine toward excess, he allows the vineyard and varietal to speak clearly. The careful selection of oak, the disciplined aging regimen, and the emphasis on texture and acidity all point to a winemaker who values restraint as much as intensity. The result is a Malbec that feels intentional and composed—powerful, yes, but never chaotic.

Serving Instructions: Let the Wine Breathe

To fully appreciate the depth and complexity of the Cellar Beast Winehouse Malbec Reserve, proper serving is essential.

• Open 1 hour prior to serving to allow the wine to breathe and fully express its aromatic and textural layers.
• Serve at room temperature, ideally slightly cooler than a warm room, to maintain freshness and balance.

As the wine opens, you’ll notice the evolution in both aroma and palate, making the experience dynamic from the first sip to the last.

Glassware Matters: Enhancing the Experience

This is a wine that benefits greatly from the right glass. A Full-Bodied Red Wine Glass is strongly recommended.

The ample bowl allows the bouquet to fully develop, capturing the layered aromatics and directing them toward the nose. The shape of the glass emphasizes the fruit while downplaying the bitter edges of the tannins, helping the wine achieve harmony and balance on the palate. With the proper glassware, the wine feels more expressive, more polished, and more complete.

Food Pairings: A Natural Partner at the Table

The Beast Winehouse Malbec Reserve truly shines when paired with food, particularly dishes that match its intensity and structure.

Recommended food pairings include:

• Gamey proteins like lamb, especially grilled or roasted, where the wine’s tannins complement the richness of the meat
• Braised red meats, such as short ribs or beef cheeks, which echo the wine’s depth and savory notes
• BBQ beef ribs, where smoky flavors harmonize with the wine’s dark fruit and subtle spice
• Roasted lentils, offering an earthy, plant-forward pairing that highlights the wine’s acidity
• Crimini mushrooms, whose umami character draws out the wine’s cocoa and oak nuances

These pairings not only complement the wine but elevate it, turning a meal into a memorable dining experience.

Glassware Matters: Enhancing the Experience

This is a wine that benefits greatly from the right glass. A Full-Bodied Red Wine Glass is strongly recommended.

The ample bowl allows the bouquet to fully develop, capturing the layered aromatics and directing them toward the nose. The shape of the glass emphasizes the fruit while downplaying the bitter edges of the tannins, helping the wine achieve harmony and balance on the palate. With the proper glassware, the wine feels more expressive, more polished, and more complete.

Food Pairings: A Natural Partner at the Table

The Cellar Beast Winehouse Malbec Reserve truly shines when paired with food, particularly dishes that match its intensity and structure.

Recommended food pairings include:

• Gamey proteins like lamb, especially grilled or roasted, where the wine’s tannins complement the richness of the meat
• Braised red meats, such as short ribs or beef cheeks, which echo the wine’s depth and savory notes
• BBQ beef ribs, where smoky flavors harmonize with the wine’s dark fruit and subtle spice
• Roasted lentils, offering an earthy, plant-forward pairing that highlights the wine’s acidity
• Crimini mushrooms, whose umami character draws out the wine’s cocoa and oak nuances

These pairings not only complement the wine but elevate it, turning a meal into a memorable dining experience.

Final Thoughts: A Wine Worth Your Attention

The Cellar Beast Winehouse | Red Mountain 2022 Malbec Reserve is not a casual pour—it is a wine that demands attention and rewards it generously. With its lush fruit, firm structure, balanced acidity, and thoughtful oak integration, it stands as a compelling expression of both Malbec and Red Mountain terroir.

Whether enjoyed alongside a richly prepared meal, shared with fellow wine enthusiasts, or cellared for future enjoyment, this bottle delivers depth, personality, and a sense of place in every glass. It is a wine that lives up to its name—powerful and commanding—yet reveals elegance and precision beneath its bold exterior.

For more information about this wine and the Beast Winehouse portfolio, visit https://www.cellarbeastwine.com