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Tasting Notes
A dark ruby gem, the 2021 Reserve Malbec offers a potpourri of raspberry, hibiscus, and
blueberry scents, imbued with trace tobacco smoke from its time in barrel. Black plum,
mulberry, and violet flavor notes mingle on the palate, which is highly structured with well-
integrated new oak and fine-grained tannins that draw through to a bright finish. Enjoy this wine’s taut fruit profile now with choice meat cuts, hearty stews, and earthy mushroom
dishes, or cellar a couple years for a depth that will come with age.
blueberry scents, imbued with trace tobacco smoke from its time in barrel. Black plum,
mulberry, and violet flavor notes mingle on the palate, which is highly structured with well-
integrated new oak and fine-grained tannins that draw through to a bright finish. Enjoy this wine’s taut fruit profile now with choice meat cuts, hearty stews, and earthy mushroom
dishes, or cellar a couple years for a depth that will come with age.
Technical information
Vintage
2021
Varietal
Malbec
Appellation
Napa Valley
Blend
97% Malbec, 3% Cabernet Sauvignon
Oak treatment
Aged 18 months French & American Oak (38% new)
Alcohol
14.9%
Volume
750 mL
Winemaking
Fruit for the Reserve Malbec was harvested during the cool morning hours and sent directly to tank for 12-18 days of fermentation. Fermentation took place in stainless steel with regular pump-overs extracting deep color and rich flavors. The wine was then gently pressed, racked, and aged for 18 months in a combination of French (95%) and American (5%) oak, 38% new. After aging, individual barrels that best reflected the vintage and Malbec grape expression were selected for the final reserve blend.
Vintage
The 2021 growing season began with abundant sunshine, leading to exceptionally high-quality fruit. After early winter rains, a lack of precipitation throughout the rest of the season created an ideal vineyard environment. Budbreak occurred in April, followed by flowering and bloom in May. The summer saw early and even ripening throughout the valley, and harvest took place under clear skies from September to October, with some early rain. Due in part to drought conditions, harvest yields were low, and grapes were intensely flavored and smaller in berry size. From these optimally ripe grapes our winemakers crafted lush, balanced wines with vibrant colors, intense aromas, and fantastic fruit character.
Vineyard
Fruit for this vintage came principally from Bale Lane vineyard in St. Helena, where vines planted in rocky, well-drained loam soils enjoy the warmer climate of Napa Valley’s northern end. Given a warm, even growing season, Bale Lane Malbec clusters will develop desirably round, full-flavored fruit expression.