2006 Rockpile Malbec

This Bordeaux blend is comprised of 88% Malbec and 12% Cabernet Franc. I am fortunate enough to source the Malbec and Cabernet Franc from the unique climate of the very small Rockpile AVA. 100% French Oak barrels were used for perfect balance and an old world complexity. To provide the necessary structure without the oak dominating the fruit, I used 38% new barrels. The combination of acid and dry, dusty tannins allow this wine to be enjoyed while it is young, but also to cellar for 6-8 years.

Sweepstakes Gold Medal Winner, 2009 Monterey International Wine Competition
Gold Medal Winner, 2010 San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition

Cheers!
Eric Keating

Detailed Wine Information:

Appellation: Rockpile
Sub-Appellation: Sonoma County
Bottling Date: July 16, 2008
Varietal: 88% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Franc
Barrels: 100% French Oak, 38% New
Time in Barrels: 21 months
Cases produced: 193
Alcohol: 14.5%
Cellaring potential: 2011-2015

88 points, Wine Enthusiast Magazine, "Easy to mistake this for a Zinfandel, it’s so peppery and wild in brambly flavors. Full-bodied and hard in dry, dusty tannins, it displays mulberries, plums, loganberries, blackberries and cola, and is bone dry. Good now with charbroiled steaks and chops."

96 points, alawine.com, "Keating Wines 2006 Malbec displays on pouring as a medium-dark purple color. Dark ripe berry aromas exude from the glass in a dusty earth context. Blackberry and whole plum flavors fill the mouth with ripe fruit, which yield to a bold, spicy, very dry finish."