2016 H/H G W Smith Malbec

Description

Tasting Notes

Classic Malbec notes of black fruit, berries, crushed pepper and herb mix to create a sweet perfume. The flavors are lush and velvety, the earth tones blend with fruit for a perfect balance. Intense but refreshing. This wine should get better with a few years in the cellar. 

Vineyard Designation

Coyote Canyon Vineyard – Horse Heaven Hills AVA

Vineyard Notes

2016 was a warm vintage in Washington State. The high heat units pushed forward harvest and many white grapes were picked in late August, a week or two ahead of average. In the spring, we had lots of wet weather that helped with the early season growth. The sun was out and shining through Summer, but temperatures never got over 100 degrees. There was some smoke in the air but instead of causing problems it helped mitigate some of the heat. The steady warm season was very consistent, without extreme highs the grapes ripened without being stressed. It was a great vintage.

Winemaker Notes

Malbec was one of first wines I worked with in WA State. It is such a tasty grape, always enjoy heading out to the vineyard to sample this one. It has medium berries and the skins slide right off the pulp. The color is amazing, and the wines have this great blend of fruit and earth. I think this Malbec is interesting, it has a floral herb note mixed with the fruit.

The grapes were handpicked and fermented in a small fermenter. They were then aged in French Oak barrels for 20 months. This was 3 barrels of goodness blended together, 100% Malbec.

Awards

Gold – 2020 Denver International Wine Festival