Nose
ripe plums, wild
mountain blackberries, black currants and black cherries.
Palate
Oak spice.
Growing Conditions
“Early, Even & Excellent” was the bumper sticker for the growing season on Mount Veeder, beginning
with a moderately warm spring with very little moisture, following an even drier winter. Bud break
through flowering without any challenges set the stage for an early and abundant harvest. Just one heat
spike was noted in the summer, allowing Malbec to lazily hang on the vines and ripen with determination.
A quick bit of rain threw a scare in September (and of course, in late August the South Napa Earthquake
got our attention) but harvest in some blocks started mid-September, finally finishing a month later.
Aging
18 months in French Oak barrels (50% new)
Appearance
deep, rich color
Food Pairing
Braised or grilled meats like lamb, pork or duck dressed with
sweet onions and earthy accents from mushrooms, eggplant and wild fennel. Hard cheeses with popular
sea salt crystals such as Bravo Farms Silver Mountain or Beecher’s Flagship Reserve.
