Upland Vineyards, the largest planting on the new Snipes Mountain AVA, provided the grapes for this dark, dense, smoky/inky Malbec. Fruit flavors are pinpoint wild berry and cassis, but what really anchors the wine are the darkly flavorful tannins, a mix of bitter chocolate, smoky espresso, and coffee grounds. This is not a wine that tries to seduce you; it’s for serious steak eaters.——P.G.(9/1/2009)—— 89