Get Intimate with Stunning Malbec
At The Islander Estate Vineyards, we’re celebrating Malbec by raising a glass to this powerful, inky red varietal — and to our journey with Malbec, from France to South America, and ultimately to Kangaroo Island.
Malbec has long been a favourite of our founder, Jacques Lurton, whose connection with this grape spans three continents. So, what makes Malbec so special — and why has it become a signature of our Kangaroo Island wines?
Let’s get to know Malbec.
Malbec's Origins: A Grape with Global Roots
Malbec began its story in Jacques Lurton’s native Bordeaux, where it played a supporting role in classic blends alongside Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. But it wasn’t until the variety travelled to Argentina’s Mendoza region that it stepped into the global spotlight.
Brought to South America by French agronomist Michel Aimé Pouget in the 19th century, Malbec thrived in the high-altitude heat of Argentina, becoming the country's most iconic red wine. Today, Argentina produces more than 75% of the world’s Malbec, with France’s Cahors region a distant second.
Australia’s Malbec story started around the 1860s, particularly in South Australia. Initially used for blending, Malbec is now being embraced by a select group of winemakers who see its potential as a single varietal wine.
From France to Kangaroo Island: Jacques Lurton's Malbec Mission
For Jacques Lurton, the journey with Malbec has been personal and passionate.
In France, he worked with Malbec as part of Bordeaux blends.
In South America, he and his brother François established vineyards in Argentina and Chile, seeing first-hand how Malbec dominated the wine scene.
In Australia, he recognised how well the grape adapted to South Australia's Mediterranean climate.
When Jacques founded The Islander Estate Vineyards on Kangaroo Island, he initially planted Malbec as a blending variety. But one taste of the first harvest changed everything. The quality was simply too good to blend away.
Kangaroo Island's Signature Malbec Wines
That first vintage inspired The Majestic Plough — Kangaroo Island’s first and only single-varietal Malbec. The wine set the tone for how beautifully Malbec could express itself on the Island, with structure, depth, and elegance.
As the vines matured, so did the wines. In 2015, Jacques released The Independence Malbec, into The Islander's Flagship Range. Every vintage that has been released has received 96 points from James Halliday’s Wine Companion, placing it amongst the best in the country.
“Hand-picked fruit, destemmed, table-sorted then barrel fermented in seasoned 600L demi-muids; left 5 weeks on skins, matured 24 months in new 600L demis. Deep crimson-purple hue, showing no sign of age. An alluring, expressive bouquet with licorice, polished leather, eastern spices, dried plum and earth all calling out. The palate tucks in behind that array, giving substance and cedary oak tannins on the long, perfectly balanced finish."
James Halliday
We remain the only winery on Kangaroo Island producing Malbec commercially, and we’re proud to showcase the varietal’s potential in this unique maritime climate.
What's unique about Malbec?
Often considered an alternative to 
Cabernet Sauvignon or Shiraz, Malbec is a powerhouse wine of its own accord, the most structured and tannic wine we produce on Kangaroo Island.
Malbec is a thick-skinned, purple grape variety with an inky red hue. On Kangaroo Island, the vines are low-yielding and one of the first red varieties to be harvested.
In the glass, it has an intense deep red colour, magenta-tinged at the rim. On the nose, you’ll find savoury aromas of leather, tobacco, blackberry, dried herbs and spices with plenty of toasty oak.
In the mouth expect big, juicy and plush flavours of dark fruit with a robust structure and moderately firm tannins with natural acidity and a longer finish than you expect from overseas examples.
What Does Malbec Taste Like?
Malbec is often compared to Shiraz or Cabernet Sauvignon, but it’s truly in a class of its own.
Appearance: Inky deep red with a magenta rim
Aromas: Leather, blackberry, tobacco, dried herbs, spices, and toasty oak
Palate: Juicy, plush dark fruit, robust structure, natural acidity, and firm tannins
Finish: Longer than many international examples, thanks to our cool-climate, low-yielding vines
Malbec is the most structured and tannic red wine we produce on Kangaroo Island.
Malbec & Food: A Perfect Match
Few wines pair better with richly flavoured food than Malbec. It’s a natural with:
- Grilled steak, especially with herb or chimichurri sauce
- Roast lamb with garlic and rosemary
- Game meats like duck or pheasant
- Aged or blue cheeses
- Charcuterie and smoked meats
Should You Cellar It?
Absolutely. Our Kangaroo Island Malbec wines age beautifully. With careful cellaring, they’ll reward you for 15 years or more.
Explore Malbec on Kangaroo Island
On this International Malbec Day, we invite you to discover Malbec like never before — crafted on Kangaroo Island by a winemaker with a global legacy. Whether you’re new to Malbec or a long-time fan, our wines offer something truly special.
Discover The Islander Estate’s Vineyards' Malbec
The Independence Malbec from our Flagship range has just been rated as one of the best in the country. The Australian Wine Companion team rated both the 2015 and 2016 vintage releases 96/100 points. Pop this one away and try not to think about it for a few years—it will pay off.
Shop 2016 The Independence Malbec
Our Estate range Majestic Plough Malbec is back in stock and in high demand. It is an example of just how good a cool-climate Malbec can be. Drink now or cellar for up to 10 years.
Shop 2021 Majestic Plough Malbec