Sonoma Malbec

Malbec is gaining quite a reputation these days as American wine drinkers are discovering the intensely flavored Malbecs that come from Argentina. But there are also some wonderful Malbecs being made in our own backyard from some well-known Sonoma winemakers. They are hard to come by but they are worth seeking out.

A native to Bordeaux, Malbec is typically a blending grape that you will find blended in small percentages with Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, often to bring a deep color and added complexity to the wine. Until recently, you didn’t hear much about Malbec standing on its own in California wine country. But there is a small area in Sonoma between Glen Ellen and Kenwood, where a few adventurous winemakers are creating wonderful Malbecs that definitely stand on their own.

Traveling on Highway 12 in Sonoma, you can find Malbec from Mayo Family Winery, Arrowood Winery, St. Francis Winery and what I consider the “queen” of Sonoma Malbec – Chateau St. Jean. This handful of wineries, along with a few more of their neighbors, are producing some exceptional Malbec wines that are unfortunately a bit hard to come by, typically only found in their tasting rooms or through their wine clubs. They’re worth seeking out though…and maybe splurging a bit.

Favorite Sonoma Malbec

Chateau St. Jean Sonoma County Reserve Malbec – Only 500 cases of this wine are made each year and it’s definitely worth trying to get your hands on a bottle, even at $60. Winemaker Margo Van Staaveren has always held a particular fondness for the Malbec grape and has been a champion of the grape in Sonoma. This fondness for Malbec has translated into some truly outstanding wines. Blended with a bit of Cabernet Sauvignon and Petite Verdot, this is a powerful wine with soft tannins and a lush finish. Definitely makes the top of our list!

St. Francis Vineyards McCoy Vineyard Malbec – The grapes for this wine are grown on twenty-five year old vines on a hillside vineyard in the Mayacamas, producing a deep concentration of flavor in the fruit. The wine is extremely limited and priced at $35/bottle.

Written by Linzi