2016 WILLIAM KNUTTEL PETERSON VINEYARD MALBEC Winery Notes: "Peterson Vineyard, on Bradford Mountain in northwest Dry Creek Valley, yields intensely flavored Malbec with great natural acidity from its well-drained, red-clay hillsides. A small block of Petit Verdot sits nearby, and 20% was co-fermented with the Malbec. Fully ripened clusters from the near perfect 2016 vintage were hand harvested and gently crushed to one-ton fermenters. The must was inoculated after two days of cold soaking the berries. Extraction with three punch downs daily continued until the wine was completely dry, at which time it was pressed to 100% French oak, predominantly Francois Freres, for malolactic fermentation. Fourteen months aging in barrel, with quarterly racking, completed the classic Bordeaux-style winemaking utilized in the making of this Malbec. The 2016 Peterson Vineyard Dry Creek Valley Malbec is densely scented with aromas of blueberry, boysenberry and earth, gently massaged with oak spice. Flavors of black cherry and raspberry chime in on the mid-palate, and resolved tannins amply support the lengthy finish. This wine is eminently suited to the table, and pairs especially well with roasted meats and grilled vegetables."