Varietal
Malbec, one of the classic red Bordeaux grapes, is an early ripener that yields soft wines of low acidity, moderate tannins, good color and fruit flavors reminiscent of blueberries. Malbec’s popularity continues to grow as enthusiasts discover its lushness and age ability.

Vintage
For the most part 1999 was a cool and dry season, with much less warm weather than normal. Extra effort was taken in the vineyard to ensure that the fruit fully ripened including; judicious irrigation to control growth and maintain uniformity and cluster thinning to promote ripening. Late September gave us the heat spell we needed to begin harvest, which went very quickly and was effectively over by October 23rd.

Vinification
Malbec from both vineyards was fermented in small bins and punched down by hand. The wines were pressed at dryness and then placed in a combination of 2 and 3 year old French oak barrels for 15 months. The final wine was blended and bottled, unfiltered in May of 2001. Alc. 13.9%, TA .61, pH 3.7, residual sugar .05.

Tasting Notes
Aromas are of berry, spice and vanilla; with intense flavors of creamy blueberry, spice and oak set against ripe, well-integrated tannins. Drink now or cellar up to five years.

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