The growing season of 2006 in Southern Monterey County was very long and very cool, which allowed for good flavor development and ideal varietal character from our Malbec grapes. With no threat of rainfall during maturation, the canopies of the vines continued to ripen the fruit late into the season. At harvest, the fruit was picked at 25.5% sugar content and the acidity was bright and fresh. Great promise of an excellent vintage was shared by our winemakers as the fruit was brought into the winery.

We crushed the fruit and allowed it to rest for 24 hours prior to adding the yeast. As the must sat, the incredible color of this variety was apparent. We added the yeast and started a fermentation that lasted seven days. At dryness, we pressed what became a magnificent wine. The wine was aged in French oak for 10 months and was bottled as it reached a balance of fruit and tannin.

Malbec is a variety that shows intense purple color and strong aromatics that smell of violets and fragrant rose pedals. The mid-palate is full and the tannins are firm and long. The color is a beautiful hue of purple and blue. This wine will fill your senses with lovely aromas and will comfort the palate with richness and layers of generous fruit. A long finish with firm tannin and a lingering of blueberry fruit will show you the quality of our inaugural vintage of this Lockwood Vineyard Malbec.