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Tasting Notes
Tasting Note
The 2016 Napa Valley Malbec shows vibrant dark blackberry, blueberry creme and lavender notes alongside hints of white and black pepper spice. The mouthfeel is smooth and plush with dark berry fruits, hints of floral violet, accompanied by savory notes of coriander, crushed dried bay leaf and clove. Finishing with darker notes of tar and plum, the depth and complexity of the wine blends together seamlessly on the palate supported by fine well-integrated tannins. This limited bottling drinks as powerfully rich as it smells, but the voluptuous fruit flavors remain incredibly fresh and balanced throughout, framed well by the core of fresh acidity.
Technical Information
| Varietal | Malbec |
|---|---|
| Vintage | 2016 |
| Appellation | Napa Valley |
| Blend | 100% Malbec |
| Oak Treatment | 36% New French oak barrels and stainless steel tanks for 16 months |
| Alcohol % | 14.1% |
| Enclosure Type | Cork |
| Case Production | 500 cases |
Winemaking
Winemaking Note
Winemaker Christophe Paubert practiced simple methods to show how this rare variety can excel in Napa Valley. The wine was fermented and aged in new French oak barrels (36%) and in stainless steel tanks for 16 months. The usage of stainless steel allowed the wine to broadcast and preserve the purity and freshness of the Malbec fruit.
Christophe Paubert - Winemaker
For Christophe Paubert, Winemaker and General Manager at Stags’ Leap Winery, the identity of a wine is found through the terroir. Christophe’s career has spanned the industry from sales to winemaking, and his impressive background includes positions at Chateau d’Yquem and Gruaud-Larose as well as projects in Chile, Spain and Washington State. But it was the terroir of Stags’ Leap that drew him to California.
Vintage
Vintage Note
The extended drought was beginning to cause real concern as the 2016 growing season kicked off, but some welcomed winter rain hinted at the relief to come. After a relatively dry January we enjoyed significant rainfall in February, along with mild temperatures. Bud break was early, but was slowed by heavy April showers. While still early by historical standards, picking began about a week later than 2015, and continued at a leisurely pace, allowing the grapes to reach full flavor maturity. A traditionally sized harvest followed the lighter showing of 2015, and the extended season helped to balance the acidity in each varietal and added additional complexity to the layers of flavors. This resulted in wines with outstanding concentration and flavor.
Vineyard
Napa Valley AVA
Vineyard Note
The majority of the Malbec grapes for this bottling are sourced from D'Ambrosio Vineyards, from a block called Las Cerezas located just South East from the town of Yountville, which is well suited to growing this regional rarity. Las Cerezas, Spanish for 'the cherries' was named after the neighboring Cherry Orchard. The climate here is moderate, with a definite cooler maritime influence compared to vineyards further up valley. Here the soils are mainly gravelly silt loams, sedimentary in origin and gravelly alluvial soils with rock, moderately fertile.
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To create a better experience for you across all of our brands, we’ll check this info with accounts across the Treasury Wine Estates Portfolio of brands: Beringer, Beaulieu Vineyard, Etude, Hewitt Vineyard, Stags' Leap, Sterling, Penfolds, and The Wine Shop.
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