The Malk 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is quintessential of the Stags Leap District showing a deep garnet-purple hue 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. The 2019 vintage provided a classic Napa growing season, with winter rains providing just enough ground water resulting in a bit lower yields. The mild to warm growing season allowed the fruit to ripen evenly with a slightly early harvest. This resulted in a Cabernet Sauvignon that is fruit forward, with wonderfully balanced tannin and a depth and finesse that will provide the drinker pleasure for years to come.
The 2017 Malk Family Pinot Noir shows an abundance of fruit-berry qualities. The traditional fresh strawberry and raspberry, but also darker fruit, like black cherry and even plumb. The fruit qualities are balanced by aromas of soft spice, cedar, and fresh earth. On the palate, the wine is expansive and delicious, but maintains elegant focus with appropriate structure and texture. This is a great example of Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir that is varietal in every way as well as an expression of the Sonoma Coast appellation.
The 2017 vintage offered a wonderfully warm and early growing season and the Malk Family Cabernet Sauvignon is a reflection of that. We can see what are now the beautiful aromatic expressions of the vineyard: the forward, dark fruit of blackberry, ripe current, cedar spice, and chocolate. The mouthfeel is perfectly balanced from entry to finish, exhibiting the true elegance of the wine. The tannins are soft and supple and provide a beautiful framework for the entire wine. The 2017 is simply a more concentrated version of these fantastic attributes. This wine is in excellent condition and is very approachable in its youth, but it will confidently age in the cellar.
