The 2016 St. Helena Malbec captivates the senses with its bold fruit expression and long, silky finish. Succulent floral notes intermix with ripe blueberry and dark berry fruit aromatics leap from the glass. This rich and complex fruit character washes over the palate leading to long, elegant finish. This serious yet inviting Malbec is readily appreciable today, though it will easily cellar for 5-7 years. Enjoy this full-bodied wine with summer grilled meats and hearty vegetables.
Varietal | Malbec |
---|---|
Vintage | 2016 |
Appellation | California |
Blend | 100% Malbec |
Oak Treatment | Aged 8 months in oak (25% new) |
Alcohol % | 14.9% |
Enclosure Type | Cork |
Varietal Composition: 100% Malbec | Vinification: Aged 8 months in oak (25% new)
Director of Winemaking Harry Hansen was raised in nearby Sonoma County. “One of my earliest memories of wine was the gallon jug of red wine that we always had at home. I would go with my father to a local winery, maybe in Kenwood or Healdsburg, to refill that jug and chit-chat with the winery proprietors. The aromas of those wines were always something attractive, somehow mysterious, but always memorable.”
Harry joined Sterling Vineyards and relocated to Napa Valley just before the 2011 Harvest. “The opportunity to join such a respected Napa Valley winery is exciting and a fantastic next step in my winemaking career. Sterling Vineyards is making some wonderful wines, and I look forward to taking that next step up in quality and reputation.”
The extended drought caused concern as the 2016 growing season began, but welcomed winter rain hinted at the relief to come. Following a relatively dry January significant rainfall arrived in February, along with mild temperatures. Bud break was early, but was slowed by heavy April showers. While still early by historical standards, picking began about a week later than 2015, in mid-September. A traditionally sized harvest followed the lighter vintage of 2015, and the extended mild season helped balance the acids and add complexity to the fruit.
Sign up below for faster checkout.
For your protection, we require "strong" passwords:
To create a better experience for you across all of our brands, we’ll check this info with accounts across the Treasury Wine Estates Portfolio of brands: Beringer, Beaulieu Vineyard, Etude, Hewitt Vineyard, Stags' Leap, Sterling, Penfolds, and The Wine Shop.
Success! An email has been sent to your inbox with a link to reset your password