2009 Malbec
Though Malbec can offer beautiful concentration, with lush red fruit notes and silky tannins, there is very little of it planted in California—in part because it is notoriously challenging to grow, requiring a lot of care in the vineyard. Because we have our own fulltime vineyard team guided by longtime vineyard manager Dave Pirio, we are able to give our Malbec all the attention it deserves (and requires). We planted our Malbec a little over a decade ago, primarily for use as a classic Bordeaux blending varietal in our Pritchard Hill and Signature Cabernets. As these vines have evolved, they have become something special, offering a particularly intense and powerful expression of the grape, while still delivering Malbec’s trademark velvety tannins and juicy red fruit.
| Vintage: | 2009 |
| Wine Type: | Red Wine |
| Varietal: | Malbec |
| Varietal Composition: | |
| 96% | Malbec |
| 3% | Cabernet Sauvignon |
| 1% | Petite Verdot |
| Appellation: | Napa Valley |
| Harvest Date: | October 5 - 10, 2009 |
| Sugar: | 25.2 ° Brix at Harvest |
| Acid: | TA –0 .57 g/100 ml |
| PH: | pH – 3.73 |
| Barrel Aging: | |
| 18 months | |
| 70% | French |
| Ageability: | 8-10 years |
| Bottling Date: | July, 2011 |
| Alcohol %: | 14.9% |
Our 2009 Malbec has beautiful aromas of cherry, pomegranate and plum. These pure, vibrant fruit notes are underscored by abundant sweet oak and spice, as well as layers of cola and dark chocolate. The lush red fruit continues on the palate, where a silky texture makes this wine a joyous mouthful of berries, cherries and spice. Balanced acidity and elegant tannins add harmony and varietal uniqueness. A standout wine from an exceptional vintage!
Though rainfall was little more than two-thirds of normal for the third year in a row, the timing of the precipitation was on the vines’ side, as late spring rains delayed irrigation needs. June, July and August were cool, but September was quite warm, which helped the fruit reach complete maturity. A large storm hit in mid-October, but all of our grapes were harvested before the rains. Overall, an ideal growing season on Pritchard Hill.
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