Isenhower Cellars “i-Label” Malbec
WHY WE LOVE IT
- The grapes for the Isenhower Cellars i-label Malbec were sourced from experienced, established growers in Columbia Valley:
- Malbec – 48% RKP Vineyard, 35% Phinney Hill Vineyard, 5% Champoux Vineyard
- Cabernet Sauvignon – 12% Konnowac Vineyard
- Enjoy through 2029!
Variety: 88% Malbec, 12% Cabernet Sauvignon
Elaboration: Hand harvested. Destemmed and 8% of the juice was saignéed to concentrate the color and tannins. All the grapes were fermented to dryness with yeasts specific for Malbec and the wine was aged in French Oak barrels (24% new) for 10 months before blending with 12% of Konnowac Cabernet Sauvignon and bottling unfiltered.
Tasting Notes: Black-purple hue in the body and a vibrant red rim in the glass. Malbec aromas of blackberry, marionberry, baked pie crust, desert sagebrush, dried herbs, and a hint of focused French oak. The texture is very rich, plush, and concentrated. The finish is lingering and mineral-driven. The fruit is reminiscent of the blackberry cobbler from Boy Scout camp. The tannins are prevalent but rewarding and contribute to the richness of Malbec. Cabernet Sauvignon adds length to the finish.
PRESS
n/a
PRODUCER BACKGROUND
Isenhower Cellars was founded in 1999 by Denise and Brett Isenhower and was the 18th winery in the Walla Walla area. The Isenhower’s, both Pharmacists, chose to leave their Colorado surroundings and corporate healthcare to follow Brett’s dream of winemaking and Denise’s dream of moving back to Washington, where they first met. Today, Denise is the General Manager and Brett is the Winemaker. For Brett, Walla Walla was an easy choice because of its beauty and the wide-open, entrepreneurial nature of the wine industry there. Isenhower Cellars is one of the few medium-sized Washington wineries that is 100% husband and wife owned and operated.
The Isenhower’s built their winery in 2002 and opened the Woodinville tasting room in 2009. They source their grapes from experienced, established growers ranging from Columbia Valley, Horse Heaven Hills, Walla Walla, Yakima Valley, Red Mountain, and Oregon to the Wahluke Slope. These high-elevation farms produce beautiful juice from old vines all the way to experimental clones.
Isenhower Cellars and their growers follow a minimalist philosophy and more natural winemaking process, including low pesticides, light intervention and sustainable farming methods to achieve depth of character, lightness of touch, and an array of fresh, interesting wines.