The 2020 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 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 2019 Malk Family Staffordshire Reserve is a wonderfully concentrated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Aromatically intense expressions of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis are complimented with nuances of graphite, all-spice, and graham cracker. The palate is full of texture and weight; luscious, but maintains a sophisticated structural framework. This wine is enjoyable in its youth, but is certainly cellar worthy.
With delicate fruit blossom aromas, the palate opens to notes of creamy lemon, sweet spice and spring mint. The 2021 Sauvignon Blanc shows a clean, subtle entry on the palate with a luscious texture and a focused acidity; a perfect balance, lively and fresh in its infancy, then mellowing and building body with age.
