Valley Oak Vineyard is at the mouth of a shallow Canyon on the Yulupa Creek as it entrs the Bennett Valley, a mountain valley appellation that is part of the greater Sonoma Valley appellation. The Merlot in this blend adds to the nose and the Petit Verdot to the front of the palate. The Malbec sits in the back where you taste blackberries. The tanins tend to br softer than Malbec from Argentina. Our Malbec pairs well with full-bodied dishes and chocolate.