The 2008 Quixote Malbec Cabernet Franc has a pleasant, rustic bouquet with peppery black, tertiary fruit, and touches of brine emerging with aeration. The palate is very well-balanced, with good fruit concentration, notes of blackberry, tobacco, a touch of sage and bell pepper, leading to a confident cohesive finish. Good potential – this is one of the best wines from this producer. Drink now-2018. This estate dates back to 1854, when the “Casa Quinteria de Labor” was established. Today the Joquin Sanchez family owns the estate, which qualified for “Vino de Pago” status in 2010. They own 92.7 hectares of vineyard in Manzanares, and anything deemed not up to standard is sold off to the local co-operative. Readers should note that these wines have been previously reviewed under the “Quixote” brand name, but since that name is already registered, it is branded under “QXT” in the states of New York and Illinois and “In Celebration of 1615” in other US States. I have used “Quixote” in this report because it’s quicker to type. Importers: Enye Group, Chicago, IL; tel. (312) 876-1200 and Vinamericas, Miami, FL; tel. (954) 791-2090