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 Malk 2018 Cabernet offers a quintessential Stags Leap cabernet, deep garnet-purple with intense concentration and a layered intensity. Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, dark raspberry, and black cherry give way to notes of cedar, dark chocolate and graphite. The 2018 vintage provided a classic Napa growing season, with winter rains providing sufficient ground water resulting in healthy and balanced yields and moderate temperatures allowing the fruit to ripen evenly, late into the season. This resulted in a cab that is fruit forward, with wonderfully balanced tannin and a depth and finesse that will provide the drinker pleasure for years to come.
The 2016 Malk Cabernet is one of elegance and sophistication. Continuing the series of early spring weather, and warm vintages in general, the 2016 was a little different as we finally experienced some welcome winter rains that flushed the soils and replenished the aquafers. The yields were right about historical averages, and this was reflected in the balance of the fruit and offered a classic example of the Stag’s Leap District. Aromatically, we experience 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. This wine is in excellent condition and is very approachable in its youth, but it will confidently age in the cellar.
The 2015 Malk Cabernet is one of wonderful concentration. Continuing the series of early spring weather, and warm vintages in general, the 2015 was a little different as we experienced considerably lower yields. This lead to the increased concentration of the wine, but still provided balance and maintained the typicity of the Stag’s Leap District. Aromatically, we experience the forward, dark fruit of blackberry, ripe current, cedar spice, and chocolate. The mouthfeel has remarkable weight and depth while keeping the tannins very much in check and provide a beautiful framework for the entire wine. Enjoy this wine in its youth, but you will be rewarded with time in the bottle.
The 2014 vintage represents yet another of the warm and dry vintages we have had in California and the Stag’s Leap district. This has provided excellent viticultural conditions for us to grow wines of great intensity and concentration. The 2014 Cabernet shows its classic aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and blueberry with intriguing expressions of vanilla spice, chocolate, and fresh tobacco leaf. The textured pallet has great structure and presence but finishes remarkably smooth and rich.
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The 2013 Malk Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon represents the excellent growing conditions that the 2013 vintage provided. The wine shows great fruit concentration delivering fresh blackberry and blueberry aromas highlighted by nuanced notes of vanilla spice and Baker’s Chocolate. The wine has depth and structure on the palate, but the ample tannins are both smooth and ripe.
The 2012 Malk Family Vineyards Stag’s Leap Cabernet is a perfect example of what the appellation has to offer. The dark, yet vibrant color of the wine gives the first glimpse of its depth and elegance. The nose offers classic ripe black currant aromas, but is highlighted with beautiful floral qualities, light clove and spice, and even notes of milk chocolate and vanilla. The 2012 reveals interesting mineral notes of crushed gravel and even notes of the loamy and volcanic soils in which the grapes are grown. While the weighty palate is incredibly supple, there is plenty of concentration in this wine to carry it for many years of enjoyment.
The 2019 vintage of Pinot Noir from the Sonoma Coast continues a run of several years of incredible depth and concentration. Upfront aromatics are noticed right away, full of dark cherry and wild strawberry, complemented by notes of forest floor, black tea and dried herbs. What makes this 2019 Fort Ross/Seaview Pinot particularly striking is the way its bright and lively palate balances the depth of fruit with the subtlety of its minerality. This vineyard is truly starting to shine and this wine is an exceptional example of the Northern California style of Pinot Noir.
The 2016 Malk Family Vineyards Pinot Noir has exceptional varietal character.It displays youthful expressions of fresh berries — ripe strawberry and wild raspberry — as well as offering the unique nuances of the copse of the Sonoma Coast: fresh earth, fern, and forest floor. The palate is vibrant and lively but maintains a wonderful balance of structure, spice, and texture. The finish is perfectly smooth and clean. One of the best qualities of this wine is the promise of the future: all of the attributes mentioned will grow and evolve allowing this wine to be enjoyed now as well as rewarding in the future.
The 2014 Malk Family Pinot Noir expresses a wide-array of wonderful aromatics from classic bergamot and Earl Grey tea qualities to ripe black cherry and licorice as well as accents of wild mint and forest floor and even a touch of spice. This Pinot Noir has an incredibly elegant presence on the palate, but maintains a significant weight and density. It is enjoyable now, but will continue to develop nicely for a decade.
