2020 Denier-Handal Malbec, Denier-Handal Vineyards, North Coast
Tasting Notes
Dick Handal is particular about Malbec. He finds that most of it produced outside of Argentina is not the best it can be. For this wine, he wanted to make sure the fruit was a standout and that very little manipulation was done to get the most out of what the fruit had to offer. This wine has a beautiful aroma and a deep ruby color. The flavors are bright with hints of light earth, raspberries, cooked strawberries, and currant. Great paired with grilled meats, nightshades, roast potatoes, etc. We like it with a variety of cheeses and cured meats.
Harvest notes
The Malbec came from a vineyard owned by a friend of Lucas Meeker so the vineyard name is undisclosed. Harvested in September and right away the fruit was delicious.
Specs
Varietals: 100% Malbec
AVA: Mendocino County
Harvest date: September 2020
In the Cellar: Fermentation in open-top tanks with manual punch down 2 - 4 times a day
Length of time in fermentor: 7 days
Oak Regimen: Aged in 2-year-old French oak barrels for 20 months
Bottled Date: September 2022. 100 cases
Release Date: 2022
Alcohol: 13.5%
PH: 3.78
Residual Sugar: Less than 0.1%
Winemakers: Dick Handal, Lucas Meeker, David Noyes, Consulting Winemaker
2020 Denier-Handal Dolcetto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Taking a hint from a longtime friend and peer, Dick Handal decided to purchase the Dolcetto from this vineyard because he had tasted delicious wines made from this fruit. He liked the option to be able to blend this into wines like the 2020 Family Blend, make a rose of it and decided to make the Dolcetto on its own. The aroma is light and fruity, the color is a soft supple ruby and the flavors are bright, fruit, red & black plum, spice, and earth. It is a great young wine that will age well. Itâs easy to drink, pairs well with various Italian dishes, and does well with Asian dishes and desserts.
Harvest notes
Dolcetto came from a vineyard in Russian River Valley just south of Healdsburg. The vineyard sits along the Russian River and the soil is medium sand/rocky clay. The vineyard benefits from being near the river, warm days, and cool evenings/mornings.
Specs
Varietals: 100% Dolcetto
AVA: Russian River Valley
Harvest dates: September 2020
In the Cellar: Fermentation in open-top tanks with manual punch down 2 - 4 times a day
Length of time in fermentor: 7 days
Oak Regimen: Aged in 2-year-old French oak barrels for 20 months.
Bottled Date: September 2022. 100 cases
Release Date 2022
Alcohol: 14.5%
PH: 3.78
Residual Sugar: Less than 0.1%
Winemakers: Dick Handal, Lucas Meeker, David Noyes, Consulting Winemaker
Whatâs Included
4-bottles:
2x 2020 Denier-Handal Malbec, Denier-Handal Vineyards, North Coast
2x 2020 Denier-Handal Dolcetto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Case:
6x 2020 Denier-Handal Malbec, Denier-Handal Vineyards, North Coast
6x 2020 Denier-Handal Dolcetto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
An award-winning, family-run winery in the heart of Dry Creek Valley
Our fascination with wine-grape growing began in South America, where we lived in Ecuador for 38 years, and continues today with our grape growing and wine-making ventures in Sonoma County.
Our winemaking is a relatively recent venture. For over twenty years we were primarily grape growers selling our premium grapes to some of the best wineries in Sonoma and Napa counties with whom we have long-standing relationships. One of our client wineries was Wellington Vineyards in Glen Ellen owned by the Wellington family of Sonoma. Peter Wellington, owner-winemaker, produced several award-winning, vineyard-specific Cabernet Sauvignons, including one from our Dry Creek Vineyard. Peter Wellington helped us develop and make our wines. We grew and produced boutique lots of Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Sagrantino, a Red Blend, and Cabernet Sauvignon at the Wellington facility in Glen Ellen. We now produce our wines at the Meeker custom crush facility in Healdsburg and continue to receive consulting support from Peter Wellington as well as David Noyes who also worked with Wellington.
Though we no longer farm our own grapes we continue to consult for the family that purchased our vineyard in Dry Creek Valley from which we continue to make our Cabernet Sauvignon and Sagrantino wines. We also maintain close contact with our farming colleagues in Sonoma County and Mendocino County where we source our other grapes. We are fortunate to work with our friend Larry Venturi at Venturi Family Vineyards in Mendocino. Larry grows our Sangiovese and Petite Sirah.
We continue to source excellent Zinfandel and Syrah grapes from small family owned vineyards that follow our high standards in growing grapes using organic practices and supporting sustainability. These farming relationships ensure that our grapes will continue to produce award winning wines.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 Denier-Handal Malbec and Dolcetto - $50 = 20.82%
Sorry to disappoint, mates, I have been fighting a cold / allergies / illness for about 2 weeks now. Continues to flare up the retreat. My taste buds and smell have been all but absent the past 48-72 hours or so.
My better half is really digging this wine. I find nothing wrong with it at all; however, I canât really taste or smell it whatsoever.
Will take some more decongestant in the morning to see if that changes anything.
@connorbush nothing to write home about by itself⊠Not bad just not a star. Had it with some fried rice and Filipino breakfast longanisa and holy smokes it was fantastic. Not sure if it was the bottle opening up or the pairing of the food or my congestion lessening but wow a different experience all together. Tastes like the jellied center of the Brookside chocolate covered acai berries with a slight cocoa powder thing going on. A bit of spice on the finish, perhaps clove. Cuts through the fatty sausage and rice so well. Would love to try with grilled meats. Nose of black cherry. Also what a treat to have a glass of wine at 9 am.
The flat answer as far as once the bottle is open is: Malbec has a longer better life than the Dolcetto.
Both are best with food vs alone.
Aging these two: they might endure some more time in the bottle to fester and become their true selves. Malbec might have more stamina than the Dolcetto and I only say this because I have not had the pleasure of drinking Dolcetto that has been aged for a long time.
@losthighwayz This is correct because we just released these wines. Currently the only one out there in the marketplace is Malbec and only through our tasting room Locals and at one restaurant in Healdsburg.
I really dig the Denier-Handal connection with our hero Peter Wellington. And holy cow, Dick Handal is the dude who planted a vineyard at 8200 feet in Ecuador. Just wow. Weâve liked his wines weâve tried thru Casemates, so was happy to see this one.
The Malbec is a beautiful deep dark burgundy. Nearly opaque. Nice legs. Think Gisele, not aunt Edna.
On the nose: dark fruits- blackberries, currents, clove, a tiny bit of oak. Maybe some dill and lemon. My wife who is a super taster said walnuts and some earthiness also.
Taste: First taste after pouring a glass: holy cow so tart! This is a wine that needs to pair with rich meats, umami, and fats. Think of grilled meat or dishes with creamy sauces.
Paired with food, this wine shined. With our palateâs property coated, many of the items on the nose shined through to the taste. Good acidity with decent tannins.
This is not a standalone sipper, but rather something you are going to pair with charcuterie or dinner.
I had the distinct good fortune to receive a bottle of the 2020 Denier-Handel Dolcetto for tasting and reporting.
NOTE: This is NOT a sweet wine â regardless of the âdolcettoâ name! Dolcetto is an unfamiliar-to-me varietal, so I thought Iâd read up a little on it. Wikipedia said itâs an Italianate varietal and tends to be styled as a dry red â a bit tannic. Not unlike some of the varieties in the âneighborhoodâ â Nebbiolo and Barbera. Since I love both of those varietals, I opened this bottle expecting this to be right in my wheelhouse.
This wine did not disappoint! On the pop and pour, the aromas a bold and fruity. Nose of sour cherry and black currant with overtones of black pepper and green pepper. A tiny whiff of other âgreen herbsâ, but nothing I can quite define beyond that. On the entry, this is BIG and full of tart cherry, hibiscus/rosehips, and a little oolong tea. Long, lingering finish, especially in the mid-palate. Tannins are present, but in-line with the rest of the flavor profile. Itâs not a complex palate â something I can seriously enjoy after an intense work week. Without feeling like I need to put a lot of thought into whatâs in my glass.
8 minutes in glass, and the fruit has diminished on the nose. Much more green pepper and black pepper aromas, with a hint of cranberry. The palate has moderated as well â The tart cherry is still predominant, but Iâm getting smoky/woody notes and some herbal finish.
This is definitely a âdrink nowâ wine. I can picture this as a food-friendly wine (Italian food, grilled meats, comfort foods). I can also enjoy this wholly on its own.
Thank you, @casemates and @doralice4sangio (Denier-Handal Wines) for the opportunity to taste this ânew to meâ varietal!
We got the 2020 Denier-Handal Dolcetto.
Upon opening, not much of an aroma from the bottle. First pour, and the color is red shading slightly to purple, and more translucent than, say, an inky Cabernet. Not much in the way of legs. Sniffing reveals a hint of cherry and minerality, and a bit of herbaceousness. First sip, berry and anise, with a bit of tannins. Swallowing leads to a lasting tartness shading very slightly into bitterness.
We like it; probably pair well with steak and the like.
2020 Denier-Handal Malbec, Denier-Handal Vineyards, North Coast
Tasting Notes
Harvest notes
Specs
2020 Denier-Handal Dolcetto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
Tasting Notes
Harvest notes
Specs
Whatâs Included
4-bottles:
Case:
Price Comparison
Not for sale online, $396/case MSRP
About The Winery
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IL, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, OH, OK, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Monday, Feb 6 - Wednesday, Feb 8
Denier-Handal Malbec and Dolcetto
4 bottles for $79.99 $20/bottle + $2/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $189.99 $15.83/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2020 Denier-Handal Malbec, Denier-Handal Vineyards, North Coast
2020 Denier-Handal Dolcetto, Russian River Valley, Sonoma County
I can never say no to Denier-Handal. In for 2 cases
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: tax and shipping are not included in savings calculations).
2020 Denier-Handal Malbec and Dolcetto - $50 = 20.82%
Always thrilled to receive a package from Alice.
Enter, Malbec!
Sorry to disappoint, mates, I have been fighting a cold / allergies / illness for about 2 weeks now. Continues to flare up the retreat. My taste buds and smell have been all but absent the past 48-72 hours or so.
My better half is really digging this wine. I find nothing wrong with it at all; however, I canât really taste or smell it whatsoever.
Will take some more decongestant in the morning to see if that changes anything.
Again, terribly sorry everybody.
@connorbush nothing to write home about by itself⊠Not bad just not a star. Had it with some fried rice and Filipino breakfast longanisa and holy smokes it was fantastic. Not sure if it was the bottle opening up or the pairing of the food or my congestion lessening but wow a different experience all together. Tastes like the jellied center of the Brookside chocolate covered acai berries with a slight cocoa powder thing going on. A bit of spice on the finish, perhaps clove. Cuts through the fatty sausage and rice so well. Would love to try with grilled meats. Nose of black cherry. Also what a treat to have a glass of wine at 9 am.
Iâm in for four. Any insight on drinking windows?
@roncunningham
The flat answer as far as once the bottle is open is: Malbec has a longer better life than the Dolcetto.
Both are best with food vs alone.
Aging these two: they might endure some more time in the bottle to fester and become their true selves. Malbec might have more stamina than the Dolcetto and I only say this because I have not had the pleasure of drinking Dolcetto that has been aged for a long time.
Neither can be found on their website
@losthighwayz This is correct because we just released these wines. Currently the only one out there in the marketplace is Malbec and only through our tasting room Locals and at one restaurant in Healdsburg.
@Doralice4Sangio @losthighwayz Pope hat?
I really dig the Denier-Handal connection with our hero Peter Wellington. And holy cow, Dick Handal is the dude who planted a vineyard at 8200 feet in Ecuador. Just wow. Weâve liked his wines weâve tried thru Casemates, so was happy to see this one.
The Malbec is a beautiful deep dark burgundy. Nearly opaque. Nice legs. Think Gisele, not aunt Edna.
On the nose: dark fruits- blackberries, currents, clove, a tiny bit of oak. Maybe some dill and lemon. My wife who is a super taster said walnuts and some earthiness also.
Taste: First taste after pouring a glass: holy cow so tart! This is a wine that needs to pair with rich meats, umami, and fats. Think of grilled meat or dishes with creamy sauces.
We paired it with some grilled prime rib sliders on polenta cakes with a sautéed mushroom blue cheese sauce. This my friends was a match made in heaven.
Paired with food, this wine shined. With our palateâs property coated, many of the items on the nose shined through to the taste. Good acidity with decent tannins.
This is not a standalone sipper, but rather something you are going to pair with charcuterie or dinner.
@efamily yâknow, Gisele is likely someoneâs aunt too âŠ
Thank you for your continued appreciation and support of our wine brand. It has been fun to be able to make this Dolcetto and Malbec.
Havenât had a chance to try these yet, pumped to get a case
I had the distinct good fortune to receive a bottle of the 2020 Denier-Handel Dolcetto for tasting and reporting.
NOTE: This is NOT a sweet wine â regardless of the âdolcettoâ name! Dolcetto is an unfamiliar-to-me varietal, so I thought Iâd read up a little on it. Wikipedia said itâs an Italianate varietal and tends to be styled as a dry red â a bit tannic. Not unlike some of the varieties in the âneighborhoodâ â Nebbiolo and Barbera. Since I love both of those varietals, I opened this bottle expecting this to be right in my wheelhouse.
This wine did not disappoint! On the pop and pour, the aromas a bold and fruity. Nose of sour cherry and black currant with overtones of black pepper and green pepper. A tiny whiff of other âgreen herbsâ, but nothing I can quite define beyond that. On the entry, this is BIG and full of tart cherry, hibiscus/rosehips, and a little oolong tea. Long, lingering finish, especially in the mid-palate. Tannins are present, but in-line with the rest of the flavor profile. Itâs not a complex palate â something I can seriously enjoy after an intense work week. Without feeling like I need to put a lot of thought into whatâs in my glass.
8 minutes in glass, and the fruit has diminished on the nose. Much more green pepper and black pepper aromas, with a hint of cranberry. The palate has moderated as well â The tart cherry is still predominant, but Iâm getting smoky/woody notes and some herbal finish.
This is definitely a âdrink nowâ wine. I can picture this as a food-friendly wine (Italian food, grilled meats, comfort foods). I can also enjoy this wholly on its own.
Thank you, @casemates and @doralice4sangio (Denier-Handal Wines) for the opportunity to taste this ânew to meâ varietal!
Iâve been a big fan of Denier-Handal wines since back in the Woot days! Never disappointsâŠin for a case!
educated-decisive-poltergeist
We got the 2020 Denier-Handal Dolcetto.
Upon opening, not much of an aroma from the bottle. First pour, and the color is red shading slightly to purple, and more translucent than, say, an inky Cabernet. Not much in the way of legs. Sniffing reveals a hint of cherry and minerality, and a bit of herbaceousness. First sip, berry and anise, with a bit of tannins. Swallowing leads to a lasting tartness shading very slightly into bitterness.
We like it; probably pair well with steak and the like.
Son of a pink skin, the price for bottle is almost reasonable but the case is only half malbec.