Growing Conditions
A Blend of Four Vineyards - vineyards are divided into lots that are harvested at different times:
Agrelo: (3,117 ft (950 m) elevation. Citrus and peach fruit flavors.
Villa Bastías: 3,675 ft (1,120 m) elevation. Stone fruit aromas and a rich texture.
Gualtallary: 4,757 ft (1,450 m) elevation. Lively floral notes, strong mineral character and cool climate bright acidity.
El Cepillo: 3,576 ft (1,090 m) elevation. Aluvial origin. Loam-sandy soil with thick calcareous layers and rounded rocks on the bottom.
But only Mother Nature gets to decide, and in 2017 we had another year of small yields—especially in the UCO Valley where most of our family’s vineyards are located. Spring frosts brought on by dryer and slightly cooler weather resulted in lower yields, and the UCO Valley Malbec was down 55%. Our delicate Malbec responds to changes in the weather by dramatically reducing yields. We could easily understand why late-19th-century Bordelais decided to replace the Malbec in their Grand Cru vineyards with hardier Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot.
But oh, were we delighted by the glorious, glorious concentration, heightened cool-climate acidity and explosive aromatics! After tasting the juice at the winery this month of April 2017, I can honestly say that this is possibly our best vintage since I started formally working with my father in 1995. And if anybody ever said that yields don’t matter, this year proves otherwise: Low yields result in greater concentration as long as the weather is dry and mild following a yield-reducing, yet not decimating, frost.
Winemaking
Whole cluster pressed; fermented, sur lies, in barrels and stainless steel. Wild yeasts.
Total Acidity: 6.35 grams/liter
Aging
10 months in French oak. Barrel selection varies depending on vineyard and vintage - First, second and third use barrels used. 40% does not undergo malolactic fermentation.
