The 2020 Malk Family Vineyards’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a beautifully extracted Stags Leap offering, an example of both the vineyard and the appellation. There are the noted characteristics of the Griffin vineyard: dark blackberry, chocolate-cherry, star anise, nutmeg spice, and rich cassis aromas; and this 2020 has a particularly wonderful concentration…not in terms of structure, but in terms of weight and palate presence. Of course, the wine is cellar-worthy, but we are enjoying this wine now. It’s perfect for the next cold night and hearty meal.
The Malk 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is quintessential of the SLD showing a deep garnet-purple and a sophisticated concentration from the nose to the finish. Aromas of plum, blackcurrant, cassis, and black cherry give way to notes of cedar, dark chocolate and graphite. Winter rains provided just enough ground water resulting in a bit lower yields while the mild to warm growing season allowed the fruit to ripen evenly with a slightly early harvest.
The 2021 represents the more feminine nature of the vintage. It is bright and silky smooth on the entry and offers a simply delicious mouthfeel. It presents everything that the Estate has; black cherry, fresh earth, black tea, hints of vanilla bean but adds another layer of gorgeous fruit with added violet floral notes and even a hint of clove spice and certainly forest floor. Truly an elegant wine that exhibits some concentration without compromising balance and finesse.
With lavish notes of white peach, spring flowers and Asian pear our 2021 Russian River Chardonnay delivers plenty of fresh fruit on the palate. There is light sweet spice baked apple with lightly honeyed orange rind interwoven with its silky elegant finish. The mouthfeel maintains a surprising weight and concentration on the mid-palate.
The 2022 Sauvignon Blanc captures springtime in a glass. On the nose, you’ll find delicate wildflowers, citrus blossom and freshly cut grass. A distinctive limestone minerality has become a signature part of our Sauvignon Blanc, and is highlighted with these beautiful spring aromas along with a little clovespice element. As we employ fermenting in neutral oak barrels, there is a warmth, texture and noticeable body to the pallet due to the lees contact that provides a perfect balance to the wine.
The 2022 Rosé, made from the same Fort/Ross Seaview fruit as our Pinot Noir is certainly not your typical off-the-shelf Rosé! On the nose, a complex bouquet of dried apricot, honeysuckle, watermelon and ruby grapefruit. Those aromas carry through to the palate which strikes a perfect balance of acidity and sweetness. A perfect wine to enjoy with fish or a fresh salad, or simply sip by the pool!