Today may be the last time that we feature a wine from winemaker Denis Malbec. Denis, who literally grew up at France’s prestigious Chateau Latour, died tragically in a car crash last year.

Denis, whose father and grandfather both worked for Latour, was Latour’s winemaker for the 1994 through 1999 vintages. He later went to work making wines for some of the most exclusive wine brands in America, including Blankiet Estate, Charles Krug, Kapcsandy Wines, Respite Wines, Sodaro Estate, Medlock Ames and others.

Complex fragrances waft from the glass, exuding bold aromas of black cherry, stewed blackberry, dried black rose petals, dried tobacco leaf, sweet spice, chocolate and black pepper.

Rich and complex on the palate, with mixed berry compote, black cherry juice, blueberry, plum, dried violets, subtle tobacco leaf, sweet spice, black pepper, oak and dried fall leaves.

Today’s gorgeous Loma Vista Vineyards 2011 Napa Valley Proprietary Red Wine was one of the last wines that was made by Denis. We can think of no better tribute than a nice big pour of this very tasty, very elegant wine.