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2022 Messer

70% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Franc

Forged by the Messer family, Calcareous Vineyard and its unique terroir excel with a surprising range of varietals, including our blending favorites Malbec and Cabernet Franc. Named after a 14th-century sword and meaning "knife" in German, this wine honors the Messer legacy, embodying all the balance, strength, and elegance of a perfectly wrought blade.

Tasting Notes
Darkly opaque red, with aromas of salt water caramel, plums, and cola nuts with a dusting of dark chocolate. Boysenberry and black cherry, along with dashes of vanilla and peppercorn mingle in the upfront palate. Firm, chewy tannins frame a finish that lingers both aromatically and on the palate.
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$75.00
/ 750ml Bottle
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Wine Story

Vineyard Notes
The Cab Franc and Malbec for this blend both come from our Estate Calcareous Vineyard. We have 2 blocks of each varietal, blocks 3 and 5 planted in 2002, and blocks 20 and 22 planted in 2018. By using 4 separate sources for fruit, this blend of 2 varietals becomes even more complex and nuanced. The older blocks are mature and producing fruit with spice and structure, while the newer blocks supply plenty of fresh fruit and bright acidity.
Winemaker Notes
The 2022 Vintage was the earliest on record as these varietals, usually picked in October, were all off the vine by the middle of September. This early ripening produced fruit that was full of ripened, sun kissed flavors yet still maintained young tannins in the skins. This rare combination makes the 2022 vintage extremely unique in its flavor profile, and looks to be one of the better vintages on record as far a peak qaulity goes.
Production
520 Cases Produced
Production Notes
The Cab Franc and Malbec were picked the same day, thus processed and blended together for this wine. Hand picked clusters were destemmed without crushing and transferred to 4.5 ton open top concrete tanks. A mix of pump over and delestage gently extracted the juice from the berries and the lots were pressed after 8-9 days on skins. The combined free run and press wine was allowed to settle for 48 hours then transferred to 40% new French oak barrels for 20 months of aging.
Food Pairing Notes
Our Messer is always best paired with the grill, matching up beautifully with barbecued beef ribs or smoked skewers of fall vegetables.

The Specifics

Wine Specs
Vintage
2022
Varietal
70% Malbec, 30% Cabernet Franc
Appellation
Paso Robles
Vineyard Designation
Calcareous Vineyard
pH
3.48
Aging
20 Months
Alcohol %
15.1

Tech Sheets

Download 2022 Messer
2022 Messer

California Proposition 65 Warning

WARNING: Drinking distilled spirits, beer, coolers, wine and other alcoholic beverages may increase cancer risk, and, during pregnancy, can cause birth defects. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.

WARNING: The packaging on this product can expose you to chemicals including Bisphenol A (BPA), which are known to the State of California to cause birth defects or other reproductive harm. For more information go to www.P65Warnings.ca.gov/alcohol.

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