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Malbec Reserve 2023
Malbec Reserve 2023
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Malbec Reserve 2023

Malbec Reserve 2023

The inspiration for this wine came as a challenge from my longtime Argentinian friend: Dare to make a Malbec as good or better than those I love from Mendoza. This one is made with mountain fruit of course, but also our winemaking approach of enhanced aromatics, lighter tannins and low sulfites. We found these beautiful grapes hidden away at a neighboring high-elevation vineyard. The result is a blend of yeast trials representing the one commonly found in leading Mendoza Malbec, with the other from its softer, Bordeaux cousin. This is the same Malbec we blended into our Cabernet Sauvignon. The rest is found here, set aside in its pure expression. My friend was beyond excited at the result and it will only get better with age. 13.5% alcohol. 72 cases produced.

Sale price $45.00

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Details

Appellation:

Amador County

Winemaker Notes:

Harvested by hand on October 3 at an optimal sugar level of 25.5 Brix, acidity pH of 3.65. Gently crushed, fermented in two separate yeast trials to simulate those used for the very best Malbecs from Mendoza and Bordeaux. Grapes punched-down by hand over two weeks and gently pressed using 360-degree bladder press to minimize tannins. Bottled in April 2025.

Vineyard Notes:

We searched for Malbec grapes growing at high-elevation and found some in a beautiful vineyard just a few minutes away from us. That year, bears had just broken into the vineyard and we had to hustle and get them picked, you know when the bears are after grapes they are at the perfect ripeness! Fortunately, we beat them to the harvest.