Current Vintage Overview

The 2011 vintage was cool by Napa standards, with average daytime high temperatures hovering in the low 80s. In many respects it was similar to 2010, with the exception of early October rains that created unusual concentrations of Tule fog in many areas of Napa Valley.  Located in a slightly warmer part of the Valley, the Blueline Estate is ideally suited to deal with cooler vintages and fog thanks to its well-drained gravelly soils, with low water holding capacity, and west-facing exposures that take in full afternoon sun. Additionally, the canyons above the Blueline Estate produce a thermal draw that quickly dissipates fog, allowing for greater hang time. As a result, we were able to achieve greater ripeness while the cooler days helped retain natural acidity, resulting in more classically structured wines. Ultimately, the 2011 Blueline wines achieved ripe tannins with supple textures, great aromatics, and medium-plus levels of concentration, in addition to the lift and layering of cooler vintage acidity. Rather than exhibit pure power, the 2011 vintage showcases a fruit spectrum from red to black fruits, great balance, nuance and layers across all five Bordeaux varietals. 

Tasting Profile

2011 marks the second vintage we have released a varietal Malbec from the gravel wash soils of Block 3 at the Blueline Estate Vineyard. Selby Creek ran through the center of this block at some point in the past thousand years, leaving behind an intensely stony cobble and sand bed known as Cortina. We’ve discovered that Malbec grown on Cortina renders a wonderful wet stone minerality with layers of tangy red fruits to complement the black fruits traditionally associated with Malbec. Aromatically, this 2011 Malbec beckons with exotic nutmeg, roasted hazelnut, and earthy blood orange rind. On the palate, vibrant, distinctive layers of sun-warmed strawberries, rich vanilla custard and reduced balsamic glaze carry long through an expansive finish.

~Jeff Smith, January 2016

Other Vintages

2016 Blueline Estate Malbec
2015 Blueline Estate Malbec
2014 Blueline Estate Malbec
2013 Blueline Estate Malbec
2012 Blueline Estate Malbec