2021 Estate Malbec
The 2021 growing season was a hot one, with some record setting events and the heat dome of June. This increased heat led to lower yields as the berries could not divide cells rapidly during cell division due to the heat, so we experienced lower yields and an increase of quality that comes from low yields. The fall was dry and cool allowing for optimal ripening during the final stages of development
Our 2021 Estate Malbec is an exquisite balance of fruit and oak. Malbec varietal character drives this wine.
A reddish-purple hue, inky red with crimson highlights, defines the appearance of this 2021 Malbec. Aromas of wet leather, dark plum, vanilla, pencil eraser, and tobacco greet the senses, reflecting the depth and complexity of our Wahluke Slope vineyards. On the palate, oak notes of vanilla and marshmallow mingle with flavors of ripe fruit, violets, and hints of tobacco. The wine evolves with layers of black cherry and a subtle nod to Bazooka Joe bubble gum, leading to a velvety finish that is both satisfying and lingering.
Pick decisions are based equally on grape juice chemistry (Brix/pH/TA), as well as flavor and physical maturity of the grapes. Harvested early in the morning, the hand-picked grapes are promptly delivered to the winery for immediate processing. Whole-cluster sorted to remove any material other than grapes (MOG), before being destemmed and lightly crushed into 1-ton fermenters. The must is allowed to rest for 24 hours before inoculation with a selected yeast strain. The must is gently punched-down twice daily to ensure proper phenolic extraction. When fermentation is nearly complete the free-run wine is pumped directly into French and American oak barrels (225L). 68% French, 32% American; 77% new oak, 23% once-filled barrels. Barrel aged 22 months, followed by another year in bottle before release.
| Varietal Composition | 89% Malbec, 11% Merlot |
| Appellation | Wahluke Slope |
| Vineyard | Riverbend Vineyard |
| Alcohol | 14.10% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Cases Produced | 211 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
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Buy 12 bottles and receive a 10% case discount.
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