Raphael 2004 Malbec

Wine Recommendation:
Raphael 2004 Malbec

Tasting Notes:
This is second varietal bottling of Malbec of Raphael. Malbec is our earliest ripening red variety and is always harvested at least 2 weeks before the Merlot, showing great promise for our terroir. Traditionally used for blending in Bordeaux, it has more recently become the signature red wine of Argentina; in our area it has exhibited the strength and power to stand on its own. The 2004 vintage is a dense and rich with chewy tannin and exotic hints of dark black fruit, banana and cedar. Only 80 cases made.

Vintage Notes:
The 2004 vintage saw a return to normal growing conditions with average rainfall and temperatures. The summer was fairly dry but slightly cooler than normal, which allowed our Merlot to retain bright acidity and fresh aromatics. A delicate and elegant vintage, similar to the wines made in 2000.

Technical Notes:

Appellation:	North Fork, Long Island
Varietal:	95% Malbec, 5% Merlot
Winemaker:	Richard Olsen-Harbich
Enologist:	Paul Pontallier
Aged:	French oak 70% new 30% 2-3 years
Harvest:	100% Hand Harvested on Oct. 4th 2004
Brix:	22.0
pH:	3.53
TA:	6.5 g/L