2019 J. Lohr Shotwell Vineyard Malbec

The El Pomar District of the Paso Robles AVA has a climate that is rated a moderate Region II on the Winkler heat accumulation scale – making it a fairly cool location for late-ripening red varieties. At our Shotwell Vineyard, the tightly spaced cordon-trained, spurpruned planting of Malbec Clone 596 is laid out with an 8’ by 4’ vine spacing. Planted in 2015 on a north-facing slope of calcareous Linne-Calodo soil, the steep slope at this location required the row direction for planting to follow the grade of the hillside - in order for our tractors to navigate the steep terrain. The Malbec was aged 16 months in French oak cooperage, with 23% being new wood. Winemaker Brenden Wood’s notes: “Abundant with color, this Malbec offers aromas of milk chocolate, cherry, and violet. The texture is super soft and inviting, with plum, raspberry, hibiscus, and a touch of cracked pepper on the palate. Enjoy this exuberant wine with a seafood paella or an Argentine-style beef asado.” Only 337 cases produced. Certified California Sustainable Winegrowing.