2006 St. Supery Napa Valley Malbec

About This Wine

There’s a reason that St. Supery Vineyards has a very French-sounding name.

No, it’s not because the winery is in France. In fact, it’s situated in California’s Napa Valley. But St. Supery is owned by a French family, headed by Robert Skalli. The Skallis have made wine in Southern France for generations, and expanded into the States following a trip to Napa Valley during the 1970s.

Today, St. Supery owns and farms two vineyards: the 475-acre Dollarhide Ranch, nestled in the valley’s foothills, and the 35-acre home vineyard in Rutherford. “We have complete control over how our grapes are grown,” Skalli says, “and we strive diligently to keep our land pristine.”

Like most French vintners, the Skallis embrace the practice of blending. St. Supery’s 2007 Malbec, as an example, includes a significant amount of Cabernet Sauvignon. The finished product benefits from a few hours of aeration, rewarding the patient imbiber with a wonderful wine experience.

About Malbec

A midseason ripener, it can bring very deep color, ample tannin, and a particular plum-like flavor component to add complexity to claret blends.

Tasting Notes

• Grape Composition:75% Malbec and 25% Cabernet Sauvignon
• Grape Source:Estate Vineyard in Napa Valley, California
• Aromas & Flavors:Black Cherry, Earth, Herbs, Leather, Cocoa and Licorice
• Aging Vessels:Assorted Oak Barrels
• When to Drink:Now Through 2013
• Food Pairing Suggestionsmoked meats, or a savory stew.

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