2023 Malbec
Tasting Notes
Our 2023 Malbec is full-bodied, dark, and concentrated, offering aromas of blackberry jam, black currant, and fresh plum accented by nuances of seared pinewood. The palate is smooth and expressive, brimming with dark fruit layered with juniper berry, smoked caramel, and a touch of white pepper. French oak maturation imparts balance and finesse, leading to an elegant, enduring finish. Best enjoyed now through 2039, with peak maturity anticipated around 2034.
Vineyard Designation
100% Estate Grown
Vintage Notes
The 2023 vintage in Washington State was what we like to call a “normal” year. A mild winter gave way to a cool early spring, followed by record-high temperatures in mid-April that jump-started vine growth. Steady spring weather allowed for healthy development and well-balanced crop loads. June and July brought intense heat (among the hottest on record) accelerating ripening and leading to slightly lower natural acidity. Despite the rapid pace, 2023 produced an exceptional vintage. The whites are vibrant with tropical fruit and crisp acidity, while the reds show depth, dark berry flavors, refined tannins, and great aging potential.
Winemaking Notes
Our 2023 Malbec comes from reserve-tier blocks at our estate vineyard that are carefully managed for low yields to enhance ripeness and flavor concentration. Harvested in mid-October at optimal maturity, the grapes were hand-sorted with our optical sorter, destemmed (not crushed), and transferred to concrete tanks for a 48-hour cold soak before fermentation with a selected yeast strain. Fermenting in concrete helped foster a fuller mouthfeel, heightened aromatics, and subtle mineral tones. Gentle, extended aerated pump-overs were employed to extract the Malbec’s depth of flavor while maintaining a balanced tannin structure and natural acidity. After 13 days on the skins, the wine was gently pressed and moved to custom French oak barrels crafted in Chile. For the first three months of its 22-month aging period, the lees were stirred bi-monthly to enhance roundness and soften texture. The final blend was aged in 67% new French oak and 33% 2–3-year-old French oak before bottling preparation.
* Produced in a Vegan Manner (No animal byproducts used in the production of this wine)
Food Pairing
Cuban-Styled Lechon Asado (Roasted Pork)
Garlic & Jalapeno Bison Burger
Swordfish Steak with Mango-chutney
Shropshire Blue Cheese or Manchego
- Varietal Composition: Malbec
- Appellation: Yakima Valley
- Cases Produced: 271
- Alcohol: 14.2%
- pH: 3.6
- Acidity: 6.1 g/L
- Ageability: Enjoy now through 2039, with optimal maturity around 2034.