2021 Smith & Hook Malbec




This Malbec is crafted from select vineyard lots in the Santa Lucia Highlands where this Bordeaux varietal is known to yields large berries with thick skin and intense dark purple coloring. The 2021 growing season in the SLH started out with half our average rainfall which was easily compensated with light irrigation to fill soil profiles before budbreak. Warm spring and summer temperatures aided wine growth and even berry development. Weather leading to harvest was cool and uneventful which allowed for picking lots at optimum ripeness to ensure enhanced flavor and sugar accumulation of the fruit.