2016 Estate Malbec

(sold out)

• Varieties:
  100% Malbec
• Appellation:
  Paso Robles
• Average brix at harvest:
  23.6
• Vineyard:
  Estate
• Alcohol:
  13.2%
• Acidity:
  0.64g/100ml
• pH:
  3.59
• Residual sugar:
  0.02g/100ml
• Date bottled:
  December 14, 2018
• Cases produced:
  96
• Retail Price:
  $ 27.00

Growing conditions:
Winter rainfall improved but 2016 featured another early budbreak and horrific frost in late March with whites and early reds losing significant crop. This resulted in an early smaller harvest with excellent quality due to the miniscule crop from on-going drought and frost.

Winemaking:
The grapes were hand harvested, then crushed into a stainless steel fermentor. 24 hours later, the must was inoculated with FX-10 yeast then pumped over twice daily for 17 days prior to pressing. After completion of malo-lactic fermentation, this Malbec was aged for 24 months in French and Hungarian oak prior to bottling.

Tasting notes:
Hints of lavender, wild sage and ripe plum are intertwined with spicy oak. Flavors are balanced and rich with layers of pleasantly assertive tannins overlaid with hints of oak. The finish is rich and lush which enables additional aging.

Cellaring:
While enjoyable currently, this intense red wine will continue to improve with proper cellaring for another 3-7 years in the bottle with a plateau of best drinkability from 2022-2027.

Food selection:
This rich, layered wine will enhance rosemary-infused rack of lamb and hard cheeses as well as Italian dishes with rich sauces.