Winemaker Notes
Professional Ratings
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Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
Deep garnet-purple colored, the 2015 Malbec Rockpile Ridge Vineyard delivers a profound nose of crushed blackberries, warm black plums and mulberries with nuances of smoked meats, tapenade, dried lavender and raisin cake plus a touch of mocha. Full-bodied, concentrated and full-on decadent, it completely coats the mouth with layered black fruits and exotic spices, framed by firm yet wonderfully ripe, plush tannins and seamless freshness, finishing long and spicy.
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Wine Enthusiast
From a new dry-farmed site, this is fleshy and expansive in complex waves of flavor and texture. Mocha, coconut flakes and blueberry combine around a rich and rounded body that boasts power and grip.
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.
High elevation vineyards—800 to 2,100 feet—on well-drained soils of red and brown clay loam, gravel and large rock outcroppings produce low yields of intense, high-quality fruit. Surrounded by Northern Sonoma County and overlapping Dry Creek Valley in its northwest corner, the Rockpile AVA produces some of California most powerful Zinfandel, Petit Sirah, Syrah and Cabernet Sauvignon based wines.