Opi Malbec

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7 April 2026

Opi Malbec comes from Mendoza and was named ‘Best Malbec of Argentina’ on its debut vintage in 2008. It is made by Opi Sadler, ‘The Malbec Magician’, as his fellow Argentine winemakers call him.

In U.S. direct-wine channels, the same line is often sold as J Opi Malbec. It is 100% Malbec, with brief oak ageing, from the 2025 vintage and sits at 12.5% abv.

In the glass, the colour is a deep purple. The aroma brings black plum, blackberry, violets, oak, a slightly smoky edge and a touch of treacle toffee. On the taste, you get dark fruit, smoke and a hint of spice. It is dry, medium to full-bodied, with low to medium tannins. Through the middle of the taste, it suddenly turns lighter and more cherryish, which gives it a nice change of pace. The finish is long, dark-fruited and gently spicy.

It is available for £13.99 from Laithwaites.

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