2014 Firestone Vineyard Malbec, Santa Ynez Valley
Winemaker Notes
Malbec is a thick-skinned grape variety that thrives in warm, sunny conditions like the Santa
Ynez Valley experienced in 2014. Black cherry, blueberry and vanilla dominate the aroma.
The palate has similar flavors, but with cola and spice tones for added complexity and depth.
Soft, silky tannins give way to a lingering finish.
Food Pairing Notes
Pair this wine with herb roasted pork loin
or linguini tossed in a tomato caper sauce.
Composition
83% Malbec, 16% Petit Verdot,
1% Cabernet Sauvignon
Wine Specs
Vintage
2014
Varietal
Malbec
Appellation
Santa Ynez Valley
Harvest Date
September 19th – October 16th, 2014
Acid
6.2 g/L
pH
3.72
Aging
25 months in French, Hungarian and American oak, 53% new
Bottling Date
December 5, 2016
Alcohol %
14.20
Production Notes
2014 was a vintage of both high quality and quantity of fruit. An early bud break in the last
week of February and a warm, dry spring led to a slightly earlier bloom and fruit set.
Despite the lack of rainfall, the timing of the growth of the vines was perfect. Few
incidents of frost and a warmer than average summer allowed the grapes to ripen at an
optimal pace. The fruit was harvested in cool temperatures and at full maturity, from
September 19th – October 16th, 2014.
Vineyard Notes
The Santa Ynez Valley is located just two hours north of Los Angeles and five hours south
of San Francisco, adjacent the cold Pacific Ocean. With the greatest concentration of
wineries in Santa Barbara County - roughly 18% of its total land planted to vineyards - it is
among the favorite weekend destinations for wine aficionados in the Central Coast region.
Production
Only 626 cases produced