2020 Malbec

2020 Obelisco Estate Malbec

Blend: 96% Malbec 4% Cabernet Sauvignon

AVA: Red Mountain

Vineyards: 100% Obelisco 

Bottling: 460 cases, 750ml

Alcohol: 15.7%

Aging: 36% new oak; 100% French

Tasting Notes: Classic dark purple color with aromas of spice, raspberry, vanilla, and cranberry. The fresh fruit flavors leap out of the glass and onto the front of the palate. As you continue, the silky texture of Malbec provides a smooth texture for the hints of vanilla and spice provided by the oak barrels. The wine is concentrated without being heavy and finish is long and indulgent.

Cellaring: Washington State Malbec is drinkable now, showing youthful fruit and a silky texture.  If you enjoy aging your wine, the natural acidity and tannin structure of this Malbec will allow it to age gracefully for 10-15 years.

Production: The fruit for this wine comes from Obelisco Vineyard on Red Mountain. The densely planted vineyard produces low crop per vine and small berries which promote intense flavors and excellent concentration.  The cool fermentation temperatures and long oak maturation help to mellow the abundant natural tannin found in Red Mountain wines.

Harvest notes: 2020 was a warm year in the vineyard, but early fruit set led to a long growing season and excellent hang time. Yields were high in the early part of the season allowing us to thin the crop keeping only the best clusters to fully ripen through the summer months. The sugars and flavors developed evenly and the prototypical cool Autumn evenings on Red Mountain allowed the grapes to retain their natural acidity and freshness. These conditions allowed us to pick the grapes at the perfect moment leading to wines with wonderful concentration and fully ripe fruit flavors.