2018 Merryvale Malbec Napa Valley

Winemaking

The 2018 Malbec is 89% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc, 2% Cabernet Sauvignon and 1% Merlot, sourced from our Profile Estate Vineyard and Stagecoach Vineyard, east of Oakville. After a 5-day cold soak, fermentaion began with native as well as commercial yeast. The wines were pumped over twice a day until dry, spending 15 -21 days on skins before being pressed and drained to barrels where spontaneous malolactic fermentation occurred.  The wine was aged for 22 months in 50% new French oak barrels,

Tasting Notes

Tempting aromas of dark red fruits, cocoa and baking spices. The red fruit and minerality, hallmarks of the fabled Stagecoach volcanic soil this wine hails from, are resplendent throughout. As it opens, a gamey earthiness emerges, deepening in complexity. Medium bodied with fine tannins, the wine is long and immensely satisfying, and begs to be paired with steak, lamb, and game meats.