2017 Malbec
Description
Winemaking Notes
The 2017 Malbec is very rich and deeply colored, with intense aromas and flavors of black plum, blackberry, black-tea leaf, crushed violets and baking spices. This bold wine consists of soft tannins which lead to a nice finish with wonderful acidity. Pair this delicious rich wine with braised short ribs or a mushroom burger smothered with blue cheese and bacon. Enjoy it over the next three to six years.
History
Rodney Strong wines are crafted from meticulously farmed blocks of some of the best vineyards in Sonoma County. Areas within certain vineyards are hand harvested, fermented separately and aged in the finest oak barrels. After about six months, each lot is tasted and graded and only the lots that display complexity, richness and intensity are considered for bottling.
The Vineyards
The 2017 vintage will not be soon forgotten. The all-time precipitation record was set by mid-April as rain swept like waves over the North Coast, filling all the lakes, ponds and reservoirs. As the rain clouds subsided and the sun appeared, the vineyards in the Russian River Valley endured six different heat waves at or above 100F, including a memorable 110F on Labor Day. We harvested the fruit from September 10 through September 30 to make this beautiful Dry Creek Valley Malbec.