Malbec 2021, Kareen Wine

This is a Malbec that strikes a beautiful balance between boldness and elegance. In the glass, it shows a deep ruby-purple hue, hinting at its depth. The nose opens with ripe blackberry, black cherry, and plum, alongside dried violets, cocoa nib, and a faint touch of graphite. With a little air, notes of baking spice, toasted oak, and a hint of balsamic lift add intrigue. On the palate, it’s plush yet poised. Dark fruit leads—blueberry compote, mulberry, and a pop of tart black raspberry—layered over smooth, suede-like tannins. There’s a savory edge too, with hints of roasted fennel, pipe tobacco, and dusty earth lending depth and dimension.

The finish is long and gently spiced, with echoes of vanilla bean, cracked pepper, and stewed cherry. A final splash of acidity keeps things fresh and food-friendly. This is a graceful, expressive Malbec that’s drinking beautifully now but has enough structure to age over the next several years.

From a sustainably farmed single-vineyard in the Mokelumne River AVA, part of the Lodi appellation, this site benefits from hot days and cooling river breezes leading to balanced ripening. The region’s sandy, loamy soils and Mediterranean climate produce Malbec with ripe fruit framed by refreshing acidity.

About the Winery

Nestled in Amador County in the Sierra Foothills, Kareen Wine is making waves by staying true to its roots—both literal and ancestral. Founded in 2018 by the Nemet family, this small, family-run winery blends passion, cultural heritage, and a low-intervention approach to craft expressive, site-driven wines from sustainably farmed vineyards across Northern California.

The name "Kareen" honors the family's ancestral homeland—an ancient Armenian city once known as a crossroads of culture and agriculture. That spirit of connection and resilience is woven into everything they do. What began in a garage in 2010 has evolved into a thoughtful winemaking project that celebrates both tradition and California terroir.

Working under the umbrella of Nemet Vintners LLC, the family sources grapes from standout sites in Lodi, Clarksburg, and the Sierra Foothills, focusing on varietals that shine in warm, sun-drenched climates. Their lineup includes plush Malbecs, bright Viogniers, zippy Chenin Blancs, and textured Zinfandels—plus the occasional playful pét-nat. Winemaking is kept minimal and intuitive, with a focus on purity of fruit, sense of place, and approachability in the glass.

Kareen Wine is proudly woman-owned, community-focused, and self-distributed. As members of the Contra Costa Winegrowers Association, they’re helping write the next chapter in California’s wine story—one bottle at a time, with deep roots and wide-open hearts.