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2005 MALBEC
ESTATE
MISSION
Clos LaChance’s mission is to provide our customers with high quality, stylistically consistent wines that represent the characteristics of our Estate Vineyards and the Santa Cruz Mountains. We strive to capitalize on our current and future resources in the vineyards and facility, as well as provide superior value in the ultra-premium wine segment.
VINEYARDS
Fruit for the Estate Malbec is sourced 100% from the Clos LaChance Estate Vineyard in San Martin. The 150-acre Estate Vineyard was planted in 1999-2000. Nearly 20 varietals were planted, along with 60 separate clones—providing Winemaker Stephen Tebb with a spice-rack of blending wines. Hot sunny days throughout the growing season, coupled with cool ocean breezes in the evenings, allow for increased grape hang-time, and the further development of flavors and complexities. Computerized vineyard maintenance and data recording systems (weather stations, leaf and soil sensors, automated irrigation and fertigation) were also installed onsite, ensuring the highest quality fruit possible.
VINTAGE
Rains in the early spring and summer created vigorous vine growth early on. Harvest started on schedule, however the cool weather slowed things down, with the last grapes coming in around Thanksgiving. Yields were through-the-roof all throughout the state. Clos LaChance’s Winemaker Stephen Tebb ran out of tank space halfway through harvest. Fortunately, the weather cooperated and Stephen literally stored the grapes on the vine for several weeks. This turned out to be a blessing in disguise as the resulting wines are some of the best Clos LaChance has produced.
WINEMAKING
The Malbec grapes were hand-harvested and destemmed to closed top tanks for fermentation. Innoculation with yeast occurred the day after harvest, and the must was pumped over 3 times daily during peak fermentation. Once dry the wine was drained and pressed to tank, then racked to barrel to finish malolactic fermentation. The wine was aged in 20% new French oak, 20% once used French oak for 18 months, undergoing 3 rackings during that time. The wine was bottled unfined and unfiltered.
WINEMAKER‘S NOTES
Rich, dark ruby colored wine. Aromas of milk chocolate and black plums. On the palate, those cocoa characteristics dominate, along with red berries and a hint of baking spice. I also get some strong plum flavors that carry throughout the long, balanced finish.
Chicken Cacciatore, Beef Stroganoff, Stuffed Bell Peppers, Mild Chedder and Fontina Cheeses
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