2022 Reserve Malbec

Vineyard: After farming a small test plot of Malbec for several years, in 2010 we planted a 10-acre block of Malbec (clone 9 on 101-14 rootstock). Prior to developing the block, we dug 30 pits to evaluate the soil profile: vigor potential, effective rooting zone, and water table depth. Ultimately, we varied vine spacing and irrigation output to correlate with the varying soil profiles throughout the block.

Vintage 2022: October 2021 brought an atmospheric river event that recharged the soil profile after several years of drought. This led to an even bud break – later than 2021 - strong early growth and a moderate crop. A Goldilocks summer, until Labor Day that is, resulted in even ripening and an early start to harvest. The slope steepened dramatically over Labor Day, with days of high heat pushing sugar accumulation. Our canopy management technique, which retains most of the protective leaves, proved to be the perfect antidote to the dehydrating heat that damaged fruit in conventionally farmed vineyards. The Saint Macaire was harvested 9/12/22, the Malbec for the blend was harvested on 9/16/22 and the Cab was harvested on 9/22/22.

Winemaking: We harvested in the cool hours from midnight to sunrise. The grapes were destemmed and crushed into stainless steel fermentation tanks. After a four to five-day cold soak with daily pump overs, the lots were warmed and inoculated. Pressing was done “to taste,” based on daily, at times hourly, tastings of the wines after pumpover. The newly pressed wines were racked to tank and allowed to settle before barreling. The Reserve Malbec was aged for 19 months in 71% new French and Slovenian oak barrels.

Reserve Status: We regularly taste through our lots of Bordeaux reds. Exceptional lots and barrels are designated as potential blending components for our Reserve wines; criteria are intensity of fruit, complexity, suppleness, color and potential for longevity.

Tasting Notes: Coming soon. 

 

Variety

86% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon, 2% Saint Macaire

Vineyard Location

Alexander Valley Malbec block 1, 34, St. Macaire block 32 and Cab blocks 5 & 13

 

Alcohol  14.8%

pH  3.80

Titratable Acidity (TA) 0.54 g/100 mL

Residual Sugar  0.08%

 

Harvest Dates       

September 12 to 22, 2022

Avg. Brix at Harvest 

26.3o

Malolactic fermentation

100% of blend

Length/Type of Aging

19 months in 60-gallon 71% new barrels coopered by Remond, Colbert, Bossuet and Nadalie

 

Bottling Date

August 28, 2024

Number of Cases 165

Vegan