At a glance

Producer

Golden Cinder

Region

Colchagua Valley, Chile

Grape variety

Malbec

Wine type

Red

Body

Full-bodied and Bold

Sweetness

Dry

Typical price

$18-$25

Tasting profile

Rich dark plum, blackberry, hints of violet and sweet spices with smooth oak influence and medium tannins.

Evolution: Fruit will soften while tertiary notes like leather and tobacco will emerge over next 3-5 years.

At peak: Balanced integration of fruit, spice and complex savory notes with smooth tannins and lingering finish.

Structure

Acidity

Medium

Tannins

Medium to Firm

Alcohol

14.0%

Aging potential

8-12 years from vintage

Drinking window

Peak drinking

2024 to 2028

Optimal window

2022 to 2028

Current status

Approaching optimal drinking

Current condition

The wine shows good maturity with fruit concentration and integrated tannins suitable for drinking now with further upside.

The 2019 vintage's warm climate provided ripe fruit, and the wine’s medium tannin structure combined with its acidity supports an aging window of about 8-12 years. The current phase allows for drinking with softness but still has time to develop complex tertiary characters.

Food pairing

Grilled red meats, lamb chops, hard cheeses, mushroom risotto, and dishes with smoky spices complement this Malbec’s structure.

Serving

Serving temperature

16-18°C / 61-64°F

Decant

Yes (30-45 minutes) — To aerate and soften the medium-to-firm tannins and allow aromatic complexity to emerge.

Sustainability

Sustainability score: 6/10

The producer employs sustainable farming techniques such as water conservation and integrated pest management, uses solar energy for winery operations, and employs light-weight bottles to reduce packaging impact.

While not certified organic or biodynamic, Golden Cinder applies recognized sustainable viticulture and environmentally conscious winery methods that moderately reduce ecological impact. The geographic location in Chile benefits from relatively low irrigation needs due to rainfall cycles, and packaging choices aid carbon footprint reduction. Export transport offsets some benefits.