2020 Malbec
TASTING NOTE
Dark blackberries and sage brush jump out of the glass with lingering aromas of dusty blueberries. A deliciously viscous and concentrated palate with silky tannins and a lingering flavour of baked blueberry pie.
REVIEWS & AWARDS
93 Points "Dark in colour, the wine begins with the allusive fruit and floral aromas of the variety – cherry, blackberry mingled with mocha. The flavours are delicious: think of Black Forest cake!" John Schreiner
Awards for past vintages:
2019 Malbec - Gold Medal, WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada 2022
2019 Malbec - 93 Points, Michael Godel, WineAlign & 92 Points, John Szabo, WineAlign
2018 Malbec - 93 Points, John Schreiner
2017 Malbec - 93 Points John Schreiner, 93 Points Sara d'Amato, WineAlign
2016 Malbec – Gold Medal, WineAlign National Wine Awards of Canada 2019
2015 Malbec – Silver Medal, InterVin International Wine Awards 2018/2019
Media for past vintages:
2019 Malbec - DJ Kearney "Every time I taste Painted Rock's Malbec I am reminded of how sensational this grape can be in the Okanagan. There is a peppery character that sets this malbec apart, along with heady florality, wild blueberry fruit flavours and a spicy lacquer of oak. Both muscular and fresh, the 2019 vintage conditions have added a savoury elegance that is extremely attractive. Very low yields add extra potency and ageability."
2016 Malbec - Anthony Gismondi "This is a blockbuster malbec that presents awash in black fruit and spice. The dry, desert Skaha environment may not be Andean but the proximity of the lake and cool nights have stoked its florals and acidty to keep it on point. Another level above the C.C. Jentsch and the Hillside, this tells an impressive Okanagan tale. Big, boisterous and ready to go, this must be tamed with a grilled piece of lamb or another decade in the cellar."
WINEMAKING
Our estate vineyard has just 1 acre of Malbec planted with 2,000 plants. Most of our Malbec is used to create our Red Icon blend. Small lots can only be made in select vintages. In 2020 our Malbec was harvested on October 10. The wine was aged in 30% new oak for 18 months. Unfiltered.
| Alcohol %: | 14.5 |
| Titratable Acidity: | 6.3 g/L |
| Residual Sugar: | 2.0 g/L |
| PH: | 3.7 |
| Production: | 315 cases |
VINTAGE REVIEW
It started out not unusually with slightly delayed bud break due to a cool spring, followed by a mild and wet June leading to exponential growth in the vineyard and a lush canopy. Temperatures and rainfall evened out to averages in July and we were seeing great fruit development. Harvest arrived on time and started with those beautiful golden clusters of Chardonnay on September 28, 2020. Our Winemaker, Gabriel & Winemaking Consultant, Alain both described the vintage as fantastic due to the smaller berry size and particularly low yields leading to ripe, beautifully balanced wines. With bright acidity and ripe fruit, the 2020 vintage will cellar beautifully for years to come.
