William Knuttel Peterson Vineyard Malbec 2018
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The 2018 Peterson Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Malbec is densely scented with aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and earth, gently massaged with oak spice. Flavors of black cherry and raspberry chime in on the mid-palate, and resolved tannins amply support the lengthy finish.
Peterson Vineyard, on Bradford Mountain in northwest Dry Creek Valley, yields intensely flavored Malbec with great natural acidity from its well-drained, red-clay hillsides. A small block of Petit Verdot sits nearby, and 20% was co-fermented with the Malbec. Fully ripened clusters from the near perfect 2018 vintage were hand harvested and gently crushed to one-ton fermenters. The must was inoculated after two days of cold soaking the berries. Extraction with three punch downs daily continued until the wine was completely dry, at which time it was pressed to 100% French oak, predominantly Francois Freres, for malolactic fermentation. Fourteen months aging in barrel, with quarterly racking, completed the classic Bordeaux-style winemaking utilized in the making of this Malbec.
This wine is eminently suited to the table, and pairs especially well with roasted meats and grilled vegetables.
Other Vintages
2014-
Wong
Wilfred
William Knuttel Winery is family owned and operated, and proud to have a tight knit crew that we consider part of the family. We create both high quality affordable wines as well as ultra-premium single vineyard and specialty wines at our facility in Sonoma, CA, where we also provide custom crush services for our many clients. We distribute locally, nationally, and from time to time, internationally. William Knuttel Winery is a long-time member of Family Winemakers of California and often participates in their Annual Northern California Wine Tastings in San Francisco. We also have a selection of wines year-round at Napa Wine Company's cooperative Tasting Room, located in Oakville.
Celebrated for its bold flavors and supple texture, Malbec has enjoyed runaway success in Argentina since the late 20th century. The grape originated in Bordeaux, France, where it historically contributed color and tannin to blends. A French agronomist, who saw great potential for the variety in Mendoza’s hot, high-altitude landscape, brought Malbec to Argentina in 1868. Somm Secret—If you’re trying to please a crowd, Malbec is generally a safe bet with its combination of dense fruit and soft tannins.
A multifaceted and highly reputable sub-region of Sonoma, Dry Creek Valley is responsible for a wide range of wine styles—both red and white. One of the smallest AVAs in California, Dry Creek Valley has a winning combination of ideal geography and climate. Fertile, well-drained soils create concentrated varietal character while long, warm days, bookended by cool nights, allow grapes to reach full phenolic ripeness and balance. The warm and welcoming appellation is home to a number of family-owned vineyards and wineries that place a strong emphasis on sustainable farming practices.
Zinfandel reigns supreme here and still produces in a great number of very old vineyards—often 100 years old or older. These old vines create a powerful, voluptuous and sultry wine unlike those of any other region. Sauvignon Blanc, the valley’s signature white grape, also performs exceptionally well. Many other varieties grow comfortably here, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Grenache and Syrah. Petite Sirah is often found in blends with Zinfandel.