Winemaking:

Analysis:

  
Winemaking and Tasting Notes:
   
The 2010 Paul Wallace Black Dog Malbec is the third vintage made from grapes produced on our own farm, Wallovale Vineyards. It is only commercial Malbec from the Elgin region and is named after Paul’s beefy black shadow, our cross Labrador/Rottweiler, named Jake. The Malbec grape is also known as the Black Grape and it is this characteristic that has been incorporated into the name.
  
The grapes were picked and destalked into an open fermenter and inoculated with WE372 yeast. The wine received three punch downs per day, short fermentation and pressed after one week on the skins. Malolactic fermentation occurred in tank, the wine settled and thereafter matured in 225 lit French oak for a period of 18 months. Approximately 60 % new wood.
  
Much like the dog the wine is dark in colour, well-muscled intense and full of character. The Black Dog Malbec displays an inky core with some bright garnet on the rim. An intriguing nose conjures up hints of blue berries, black berries, raspberries, brambles and rhubarb. The entry onto the palate is a satisfying mouthful of dark fruits and spice, with firm yet silky tannins, a hint of hazelnuts and some violets on the back palate. The Black Dog Malbec is a truly memorable wine which displays all the natural elegance we have come to expect from the Elgin region.
   
The ideal accompaniment to red meat dishes, a tender steak or sit in front of a fire, sip slowly and dip into a bowl of pistachio nuts.