Lockwood Malbec 2012
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First released in 1989, Lockwood Vineyard was developed under the belief that world class estate produced wines are attainable through ideal vineyard location and quality winemaking.
Lockwood Vineyard’s founders, Paul Toeppen, Phil Johnson and Butch Lindley, who have cumulative vineyard management experience of over 90 years, first planted the large 1,850 acre San Lucas Vineyard in 1981 after concluding that the parcel was perfect for growing premium grapes. The vineyard is in a remote area nestled at the base of the Santa Lucia mountain range, in Monterey County, and is one of the largest premium estate vineyards in the world.
Under the new ownership of Boisset Famiy Estates, Lockwood Vineyard continues to be devoted to producing high quality estate grown wines.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
A geographic and climatic paradise for grape vines, Monterey is a part of the greater Central Coast AVA and contains within it five smaller sub-appellations, including Arroyo Seco, San Lucas, San Bernabe, Hames Valley and the famous Santa Lucia Highlands. The climate is relatively warm but tempered by cool, coastal winds, allowing the regions in Monterey County an exceptionally long growing season. Bud break often happens two weeks sooner and harvest tends to be two weeks later compared to other surrounding regions.
Monterey’s coastal side, where the cooling ocean fog allows grapes to develop a perfect sugar-acid balance, excels in the production of Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Riesling. Warmer, inland subzones are home to fleshy, concentrated and full-bodied reds like Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Zinfandel.
Chardonnay, covering about 40% of vineyard acreage, is the most widely planted grape in all of Monterey County.