Bonair Winery “Rattlesnake Hills” Malbec

Bonair Winery “Rattlesnake Hills” Malbec

WHY WE LOVE IT

  • This classic French-style wine in made the tradition of Cahors.
  • Sourced from their Rattlesnake Hills vineyard site, which is an ideal location for the production of Malbec.
  • Limestone rich soils produce a nutrient-rich environment in which this varietal flourishes and produces ripe fruit without sugar-levels being to high.

Varietal Composition: 100% Malbec

Elaboration: The grapes are hand-picked for quality and fermented in one-ton fermenters with twice daily punch downs. After 12 days the wine is gently pressed off, settled, and put to barrel for two years. 100% new French oak barrels.

Tasting Notes: A lively fruity dry red wine with deep garnet color. Balanced tannins and oak on the palate.

PRESS

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PRODUCER BACKGROUND

After falling in love with wine and each other in California, Shirley and Gail Puryear moved back to Washington, where they had originally met. They settled in Yakima Valley and planted their first grapes in 1980. On somewhat of a whim, they planted their first vineyard in 1980 and by 1984 they had their first harvest. The following year, they formed the Bonair winery. In 1992, they decided to make winemaking a full time gig.

Bonair Winery is situated in the heart of the Rattlesnake Hills AVA. It consists of 35 acres of estate-grown grapes on silt loam soils, known for their ability to produce premium wine grapes. With an average of 2800 growing degree days, the region compares favorably to the Napa Valley with warm days and cool evenings perfect for ripening Bordeaux reds, Chardonnay, and Riesling. The winery uses state of the art stainless steel equipment for processing as well as French and American oak for aging. Red wines are produced in traditional methods in small one-ton lots. Fruity wines are cold-fermented in stainless steel tanks. Bonair’s emphasis is on creating outstanding wines at affordable prices.

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