Buoncristiani Malbec

Buoncristiani Malbec 2018 is a 100% Malbec from Napa Valley, California, grown in small hillside lots in the eastern Vaca Mountain range. It spent 20 months in French oak, 75% of it new, and only 331 cases were made. Dark purple, it brings blackberry and blueberry, white pepper, violets and vanilla, with a broad, fleshy palate and a round finish. Serve it with grilled steak. Delivered across Ontario.

The producer

The Buoncristiani brothers founded their family winery in Napa Valley in 1999 and do everything themselves, from vineyard and cellar to the label art, with Jay Buoncristiani as winemaker. Malbec has always gone into their Cabernet and O.P.C. blends; in 2008 they began bottling some on its own.

The vineyards

Small lots picked only from hillside blocks in the eastern Vaca Mountain range, harvested from 18 to 26 October 2018.

How it's made

The wine aged 20 months in French oak barrels, 75% new. Production was 331 cases.

How it tastes

Dark purple in the glass. The nose is full of blackberry and blueberry, with white pepper, violets, vanilla, toasty oak and a hint of white chocolate. The palate is broad and deep, with balanced acidity and a fleshy, round finish.

How to serve it

Lovely with grilled steak, burgers and aged cheddar. Serve at about 17°C.