The Malk 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is quintessential of the SLD showing a deep garnet-purple and a sophisticated concentration from the nose to the finish. Aromas of plum, blackcurrant, cassis, and black cherry give way to notes of cedar, dark chocolate and graphite. Winter rains provided just enough ground water resulting in a bit lower yields while the mild to warm growing season allowed the fruit to ripen evenly with a slightly early harvest.
The Malk 2018 Cabernet offers a quintessential Stags Leap cabernet, deep garnet-purple with intense concentration and a layered intensity. Aromas of blackcurrant, cassis, dark raspberry, and black cherry give way to notes of cedar, dark chocolate and graphite. The 2018 vintage provided a classic Napa growing season, with winter rains providing sufficient ground water resulting in healthy and balanced yields and moderate temperatures allowing the fruit to ripen evenly, late into the season. This resulted in a cab that is fruit forward, with wonderfully balanced tannin and a depth and finesse that will provide the drinker pleasure for years to come.
The 2016 Malk Cabernet is one of elegance and sophistication. Continuing the series of early spring weather, and warm vintages in general, the 2016 was a little different as we finally experienced some welcome winter rains that flushed the soils and replenished the aquafers. The yields were right about historical averages, and this was reflected in the balance of the fruit and offered a classic example of the Stag’s Leap District. Aromatically, we experience the forward, dark fruit of blackberry, ripe current, cedar spice, and chocolate. The mouthfeel is perfectly balanced from entry to finish, exhibiting the true elegance of the wine. The tannins are soft and supple and provide a beautiful framework for the entire wine. This wine is in excellent condition and is very approachable in its youth, but it will confidently age in the cellar.
The 2015 Malk Cabernet is one of wonderful concentration. Continuing the series of early spring weather, and warm vintages in general, the 2015 was a little different as we experienced considerably lower yields. This lead to the increased concentration of the wine, but still provided balance and maintained the typicity of the Stag’s Leap District. Aromatically, we experience the forward, dark fruit of blackberry, ripe current, cedar spice, and chocolate. The mouthfeel has remarkable weight and depth while keeping the tannins very much in check and provide a beautiful framework for the entire wine. Enjoy this wine in its youth, but you will be rewarded with time in the bottle.
The 2014 vintage represents yet another of the warm and dry vintages we have had in California and the Stag’s Leap district. This has provided excellent viticultural conditions for us to grow wines of great intensity and concentration. The 2014 Cabernet shows its classic aromas of ripe plum, blackberry, and blueberry with intriguing expressions of vanilla spice, chocolate, and fresh tobacco leaf. The textured pallet has great structure and presence but finishes remarkably smooth and rich.
AVAILABLE FOR CLUB MEMBERS ONLY. Limit 2 bottles per order.
The 2013 Malk Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon represents the excellent growing conditions that the 2013 vintage provided. The wine shows great fruit concentration delivering fresh blackberry and blueberry aromas highlighted by nuanced notes of vanilla spice and Baker’s Chocolate. The wine has depth and structure on the palate, but the ample tannins are both smooth and ripe.
The 2021 Malk Family Staffordshire Reserve is a wonderfully concentrated blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, and Merlot. Aromatically intense expressions of blackberry, black cherry, and cassis are complimented with nuances of graphite, all-spice, and graham cracker. The palate is full of texture and weight; luscious, but maintains a sophisticated structural framework. This wine is enjoyable in its youth, but is certainly cellar worthy.
The 2021 represents the more feminine nature of the vintage. It is bright and silky smooth on the entry and offers a simply delicious mouthfeel. It presents everything that the Estate has; black cherry, fresh earth, black tea, hints of vanilla bean but adds another layer of gorgeous fruit with added violet floral notes and even a hint of clove spice and certainly forest floor. Truly an elegant wine that exhibits some concentration without compromising balance and finesse.
