Composition
82% Malbec - Clone 595
9% Cabernet Sauvignon - Clones 15 & 337
9% Cabernet Franc - Clone 214
Winemaking Notes
We chose the name Amoureux, a French word meaning "lovers," because we discovered Malbec while honeymooning in Sonoma. To this day, this wine holds a place in our hearts.
For this wine, Malbec is enhanced by Cabernet Sauvignon for firm tannins and Merlot for suppleness. Ripe blueberry, blackberry, clove and nutmeg are intertwined with subtle notes of vanilla and espresso over a rich, velvety palate. The pure fruit flavors last through the long finish.
Vineyard Notes
Justi Creek Vineyards is our original estate property, located at our winery in Glen Ellen, which was an enclave for the earliest French winemakers in California in the 1890's. Under the care of the Lasseters, it has been painstakingly restored and reimagined with great attention to detail, and is the site of a small, eco-friendly, state-of-the-art winery.
This site benefits from being a warmer area within the valley, but also the narrowest section, resulting in a funnel that concentrates the cool ocean breezes and creates huge diurnal shifts that allow for long hang time and full flavor development with good acid retention.
The Upper Bench Blocks are situated above the valley floor, on undulating terrain. The quick draining, cobbly soils of these blocks are ideal for the red Bordeaux varieties Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Merlot and Malbec.
Label Artwork
