2009 Chapin Malbec

South Coast AVA is an appellation that includes vineyards in five counties in Southern California. Those counties are Los Angeles, Orange, Riverside, San Bernardino and San Diego. The designation was established in 1985. There are about 3,000 vineyard acres within the appellation.

This grape produces a dark red wine with plenty of tannins. It is one of the six grapes allowed for blending red Bordeaux wines. Malbec is also the flagship variety of Argentina. The grape needs a lot of sun and heat to mature. It adds complexity and intensity to blends.