2006 Malk Family Vineyards Cabernet Sauvignon

Malk Family Vineyards was started in 1997 when Brian and Nancy Malk bought hillside acreage in the Stags Leap District. They planted vineyards and their first commercial release was a 2003 Cabernet Sauvignon. Though he has lived in the U.S. since the 1970s, Brian Malk is from South Africa and his grandfather owned a vineyard near Capetown. The couple hired Robbie Meyer as winemaker. Meyer has worked with Peter Michael Winery, Lewis Cellars and has two of his own labels, L’Angevin and Peirson Meyer Wines. Malk’s flagship wine is its Stags Leap Cabernet Sauvignon, though it also makes Sauvignon Blanc and Pinot Noir. The drawing of a Straffordshire Bull Terrier on every label is an homage to the Malks’ beloved bull terrier.

Spring Mountain AVA is above the town of St. Helena on the eastern slopes of the Mayacamas Mountains. There is no actual Spring Mountain, but the name has traditionally been used for the area, which includes many streams and springs. Spring Mountain was awarded appellation status in 1993 and it includes about 1,000 vineyard acres. Vineyard elevations are high, from 400 to 2,600 feet above sea level. Because of the altitude of most vineyards, which are above the fog line, mornings become warm earlier than vineyards on the valley floor, though the afternoons are cooled by maritime winds. The result is an exceptionally long growing season. Cabernet Sauvignon is the most frequently planted grape by acreage, followed by Merlot, Cabernet Franc and Chardonnay.

One of the most widely grown grape varieties, it can be found in nearly every wine growing region. A cross between Cabernet Franc and Sauvignon Blanc. It’s a hardy vine that produces a full-bodied wine with high tannins and great aging potential.