2018 Chalk Hill Malbec
Coming from the Chalk Hill AVA in Sonoma county, this wine is aged for 3 years in 50% American and 50% French oak. This is a full bodied wine with a deep purple hue. There are aromas of cedar box, violets and leather, spiced blackberry and toasted oak flavors. Pairs well with heavy lamb dishes, osso bucco, pork chops and fun winter items. It is a truly hedonistic wine.
Our Malbec is characteristically vibrant, fruit-forward, and full-bodied. It reflects the altitude of the Chalk Hill region. The nose is intense with cedar box, violets and leather.
On the palate, the wine is mellow with supple tannins that flow easily from front to back. Cherry, chocolate, and some floral notes of geranium and morning glory, dominate the flavor profile of this wine. The finish is characteristic of Malbec and comes across with toasty oak blended with fresh ripe berries and spices.
With 14.7% alcohol by volume, this wine is very balanced and has enough alcohol to volatilize the aromas. This malbec is perfect to drink now but will age beautifully through 2022. We recommend decanting this wine for for 30 minutes before serving.
| Vintage | 2017 |
| Varietal | Malbec |
| Varietal Composition | 100% Malbec grown and produced in California |
| Appellation | Chalk Hill |
| Vineyard | Windsor Oaks |
| Designation | Malbec |
| Harvest Date | 09/16/2017 |
| Aging | American and French Oak |
| Alcohol | 14.70% |
| Wine Style | Red |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Cases Produced | 100 |
| Country of Origin | UNITED STATES |
| State of Origin | California |
| Artificially Carbonated | No |
| Sparkling Wine | No |
Windsor Oaks in Chalk Hill:
Chalk Hill: Encompassing the northeast corner of the larger Russian River Valley AVA, the Chalk Hill AVA was established in June 1988. It is named for its unique, volcanically-derived, chalky white ash soils which lend themselves to the production of excellent thick skinned red grape varietals. Higher elevations than most of the Russian River Valley AVA are responsible for slightly warmer temperatures and moderating afternoon breezes.
Russ Jones was born in Yosemite National Park, where he spent most of his childhood, until his family moved to Squaw Valley. Russ learned how to ski in Yosemite, but he learned how to race in Squaw. He spent his high school career racing and loving the snow. He and his wife met on the high school race team, where Russ dominated the field. He graduated from UC Davis with a degree in Enology and Viticulture (winemaking and grape growing). He and his wife traveled through Oregon, Washington and Paso Robles after graduation, where he worked at several wineries and perfected the Pinot Noir process. They then moved back to Truckee to start a family, and that is when he decided to make his own wine, using the natural ideal temperatures and humidity of Tahoe to make the wine distinctively unique. His artistic and analytical mind ensures that the science and art in winemaking is used to its potential. With this perfect blending of art and science, Truckee River Winery's wines have exceptional flavors and aromas.
