2021 Secret Ingredient Malbec

While we are primarily focused on Cabernet Sauvignon, our love affair with Bordeaux varietals led us to plant the remaining four classic Bordeaux blending grapes, including Malbec. In 2010, we harvested our first Malbec from Bell Mountain Vineyard. Although we only had enough to fill one barrel, it was our favorite wine that year. Continuing our experimentation, we used a little of the Malbec to add to our other blends, and we marveled how it miraculously made everything better. It became our “secret ingredient”. When we finally had enough Malbec to make into its own bottling, we knew we had the perfect name – Secret Ingredient.

We reserve some of our special parcels to ferment directly in French oak barrels. This allows for more direct oak integration that creates more lush and silky tannins, perfect for our fresh and bold Malbec. In 2021 we fermented 100% of the Malbec in barrels.   

The 2021 Secret Ingredient is a wine with deep, dark, and dense aromas of plum, white flowers, and violets that captivate the senses. On the palate, the wine is sweet, dense, and round, culminating in a long and satisfying finish. A powerful fruit forward wine full of ripe creamy blueberry pie and zippy black cherry with a lively acidity that complements the bold and edgy tannins. Pair this wine with grilled lamb chops and chimichurri, barbequed ribs or a charcuterie board by the fireplace. 

Vintage 

2021 vintage is one to remember. The vines enjoyed mild ripening weather throughout the summer and fall with very few days of intense heat spikes. This allowed us to pick at the ideal time for each variety and block at Bell Mountain Vineyard. The acidity held up as the flavor and fruit development continued with ample ripening time for an abundance of aromatic qualities and elegant fruit flavors to develop. Drought conditions for the second consecutive year impacted vine vigor and crop potential. Berry and cluster sizes were on the smaller side but yielded a high concentration of flavor. 2021 has some of the lowest yields since we’ve been farming Bell Mountain Vineyard, but this was offset by the exceptional quality of the wines.