Nuthatch Malbec 09

Positively glass-coating and inky. Black berry, violet, iodine, meat, black pepper and little oak make for an engaging nose. The velvety palate has great acidity to lift the massive black fruit. Shadings of black pepper and earth round out the finish.

87% Malbec from Hogback Ridge Vineyard in the Columbia Gorge, Oregon

6% Tempranillo from Legacy VIneyard in the Umpqua Valley, Oregon

3% Cabernet Franc from Phinny Hill Vineyard, Horse Heaven Hills, Washington

2% Merlot from Phinny Hill Vineyard Horse Heaven Hills, Washington

2% Syrah from Seven Hills Vineyard, Walla Walla, Oregon

2008 Vintage Tasting Notes

Rich and rugged, dark cherry and black currant flavors are accented by spiced smoke, roasted meat and tar. A hearty wine for grilled beef or venison on a cold winter night.

Nuthatch's 2008 Malbec takes bramble blackberry, tar, coffee, and spice notes combine to create a complex wine of depth and persistence. The fruit, sourced from a small vineyard eight miles south of The Dalles, Oregon, ripens on a south facing terrace surrounded by basalt rock. In the evening, cool air rushes down to the Columbia River, providing conditions for natural fruit acidity. This wine should age gracefully for 8–10 years. - the winery

87% Malbec, 8% Cabernet Franc, 5% Syrah from Hogback Ridge Vineyard