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Wine Details
Price:
Description:
We gently destemmed the grapes without crushing them to obtain more full berries and then cold soaked for one or two days before starting fermentation. We pressed before dryness to obtain soft and rounded tannins and preserve the original fruit expression. After aging both Malbec lots separately for 20 months in American oak barrels, we finally blended them together (85% Pepperbridge and 15% Doval) and added some of our 2002 Merlot blend to enhance the complexity of our Malbec.
Our 2002 Sagelands Vineyard Malbec presents a very intense color with a deep inky purple hue, which is characteristic of this varietal. This wine displays a fragrant nose of floral and fruity aromas with some violet, boysenberry, honey and toast. On the palate, this medium-bodied wine reveals a lush and refreshing palate, with integrated soft tannins and a splash of floral perfume on the lingering finish. The perfect combination of ripe fruit, supple tannins and lively acidity is demonstrated in the excellent balance of this elegant wine. This Malbec is very approachable upon release and it will continue to improve within the next few years.
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Varietal Definition
Malbec:
Originating from the Bordeaux region of France, this grape is among the "big six" for red wine grapes. Malbec is typically a medium to full-bodied red wine. Ripe fruit flavors of plums and blackberry give it a jammy characteristic. The tannins are typically a bit tight and the earthy, wood-like appeal makes for a fairly rustic wine. Malbec goes well with roast meats such as chicken or turkey. It should be served at 58F and can be aged for up to 5 years typically.
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Merlot:
Merlot is known as a Noble Bordeaux varietal. Although it came to France in the first century, it was not named until the 1880s. Merlot was originally used only for blending, as it is soft and compliant, very useful in softening other Bordeaux wines like Cabernets. Recently in California and Chile it became popular as a 100% varietal wine. Merlot tends to be easier to grow in a variety of soil conditions and is harvested earlier in the year than Cabernet. Although most Merlots are made to be drunk earlier, there are many with complexities of a Cabernet. Flavors of plum, black cherry, violet, chocolate and orange pair well with rich, red pasta dishes, hearty chicken dishes, and any beef combination that you fancy. The perfect match of course is chocolate. Not only does the chocolate compliment the wine and vice-versa, but the essence of both flavors linger eternally.
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