Arbe Garbe 2018 Malvasie Late Harvest “Catie’s Corner” Russian River Valley – 93 Points

Varietal: 100% Catie’s Corner Vineyard Malvasia Bianca
Vineyard: Catie’s Corner is a Certified Sustainable and Fish Friendly Farming certified vineyard.
Vinification: The grapes were dehydrated on racks for 60 days prior to pressing in order to obtain a wine in Passito or Vin de Paille style. Fermentation and aging in neutral oak followed.

ONLY 42 cases produced!

Robert Parker 93 Points: “The 2018 Malvasie is a sweet wine made using dehydrated grapes in the style of Valpolicella, and this vintage contains about 220 grams per liter residual sugar. Grapes are picked normally, around 23-24 Brix, and spread to dry for 60 days on dehydration racks shipped from Italy. “I always love vin de paille,” says winemaker Enrico Maria Bertoz. “Of all the methods of making sweet wine, I like this one best. Drying the grapes allows for a beautiful, controlled dehydration [to concentrate sugars]. You have less control with ice wine or botrytis-affected grapes. This way, I have full control.” The wine opens with subtle aromas of beeswax, honeycomb, dried tarragon, grilled yellow peaches and orange marmalade, opening up to more tropical fruits and floral notions with time. In the mouth, it’s full-bodied, sweet but very juicy, with a wonderful kaleidoscope of honeyed flavors, finishing very long and uplifted. This is wonderfully balanced and not overly sweet or cloying. Well done!”