2015 Malbec, Napa Valley

2015, the third vintage in a drought cycle, was a dream vintage, with quality along the lines of 2013 and 2014. A warm, dry winter caused the vines to awaken very early. Substantial rains in late February and early March relieved most of the stress and set up the vines for a vigorous start, which was followed by continued dry conditions throughout the growing season. The summer weather was perfect for the grapes, with no heat spikes or sudden temperature swings. Harvest began two or three weeks earlier than 2013 and produced outstanding fruit, dark in color, with intense aromatics, that ripened while maintaining excellent acidity. Stagecoach Vineyard has over 600 acres planted to vines and is the largest contiguous vineyard in the Napa Valley. Located in the Atlas Peak appellation, the vineyard features steep hillsides and mountain-top geography, some of the rockiest soil in the Napa Valley, resulting in unique and intense flavors.