August Briggs Malbec 2021, Dry Creek Valley, California

August Briggs Winery is an owner-managed craft producer of small lot and sustainably produced wines showcasing some of Napa and Sonoma’s premier vineyards focused on a restrained winemaking philosophy that highlights wines of provenance, not pretense. Malbec, with its origins entrenched in Bordeaux and more recently Argentina, has a home here in California, especially in the great Dry Creek Valley of Sonoma. Starting in 2021, our Malbec is now sourced from the incredible Forchini vineyard located in the upper reaches of Dry Creek Valley. We purchase their Malbec grapes from a younger block planted in the 1990’s and an incredible old vine block from the 1950’s. This old vine block is extremely rare as Malbec was not normally planted at that time, but the Forchini family became stewards of these and other old vine varietals when they purchased the property in 1972. The blend of the two blocks creates a seductive and impressive expression of pure Malbec. Tinted in deep purple, it delivers black cherry, black currant, oak and blueberry aromas upon first swirl. A bold fruit profile of black cherry, cassis, and cocoa coats the palate with an extraordinarily balanced, full-bodied, and voluptuous texture. Brash yet integrated tannins lead to a refined finish, showcasing a balance between fruit and oak. Barrel aging: 9 months in 20% new French oak, 80% 2 & 3 year old barrels. 100% Malbec.