Winemaker Notes
-Wine Enthusiast
Since 1978, Marlstone has been produced from a specific block of designated Alexander Valley vineyards. Originally, Marlstone was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot until the more recent introduction of several other Bordeaux varieties — Malbec, Petit Verdot and Cabernet Franc. In the spring, after all the red wines have completed malolactic fermentation and have been racked several times, we evaluate the samples of each wine from the Marlstone vineyard and determine which ones exhibit the rich flavors and elegant balance that are the hallmark of Marlstone. The varietal makeup of the blend differs from vintage to vintage.
Marlstone is designed to be an elegant satisfying wine and this vintage is no exception. The addition of Malbec to this year's blend enhances the wine's forward fruit character, while the Cabernet Franc contributes a rich spicy quality. The result is a fruit forward wine that shows the familiar ripe black cherry, smooth mid-palate and long oak driven finish that we have come to expect in the Marlstone wine.
Food Recommendations: Serve the Marlstone with roasted beef, lamb or pork. A rich lamb stew over polenta will also work very well with this wine.
Professional Ratings
California is a winemaking colossus; by itself it is the fourth largest producer in the world. Red wine accounts for 56% of the total by volume, and red grapes 63% of total acres planted. In addition, a number of California red wines are heralded as being among the most prestigious and sought-after wines in the world.
While the state’s incredibly diverse geography, soils and microclimates allow for a wide array of styles, the key factor unifying California red wine is the abundance of sunshine and a long, consistent growing season. This leads to well-developed fruit marked both by impressive ripeness and balancing acidity.
The state’s most famous red wine region, of course, is Napa Valley, where Cabernet Sauvignon reigns as king. But California boasts a wealth of other impressive appellations. The much larger and climatically varied Sonoma County also produces world class California Cabernet, along with wonderful examples of California Pinot Noir and Zinfandel.
Fine versions of Cabernet and Zinfandel hail from Paso Robles as well, which is also gaining fame with Rhone varietals like Syrah and Grenache. As for Pinot Noir, terrific examples can be found from AVA’s such as Anderson Valley, Carneros, Santa Lucia Highlands and Sta. Rita Hills. Wineries in Santa Barbara and San Luis Obispo Counties are making wonderful Syrahs, and the Sierra Foothill appellations are proving to be an experimental hotbed, with Italian and Spanish varietals employed to great effect.
This of course is a mere sketch. The subject of California red wine is as deep and broad as an ocean, and absolutely a joy to explore!