Aromas of ripe red apples, blackberries and vanilla stay focused in the palate.  The wine has a long, lingering finish with hints of spice and leather. This smooth, elegant Malbec will delight those looking for an alternative red wine.

Blend: 76% Malbec, 19% Cabernet Sauvignon, 5% Syrah
Production: 2,846 cases

2008 was noted for severe frost damage and out of control forest fires in the northern counties; however, our vineyard was not affected with any smoke taint. The hazy sky did slow down the ripening process which allowed the grapes to gain complexity and intensity

The malbec grapes grown in our Matchbook Vineyard were harvested on October 1 in three separate lots. All three came in at 25 degrees brix and two of the lots were fermented with native yeast. We pressed off the skins at dryness and barrel-aged the wine for 16 months in French and American oak barrels. We blended in a little cabernet sauvignon and syrah to improve mouth feel and increase depth.