àMaurice Cellars

Malbec originated in France where it is one of the five great grapes of the Bordeaux region. In France, Malbec is often blended with other Bordeaux varieties such as cabernet sauvignon or merlot to create some of the world’s great classic wines. However, Argentina now takes center stage in the production of Malbec, a full-bodied varietal with dark fruit flavors and a long-lasting finish.

After working the fall harvest at Paul Hobbs’ celebrated Viña Cobos winery in Argentina’s Mendoza wine-growing region, àMaurice winemaker/partner Anna Schafer knows a thing or two about Malbec. From vineyard to crush to vinification, she has developed a fine understanding of when to pick, what oak to use and how long the wine should age in the barrel. It’s little wonder that many a WineTrail fan comes to àMaurice Cellars to experience (and buy) Anna’s latest Malbec release, perhaps indulging just outside the winery/tasting room where a wrought-iron table and comfy chairs beckon visitors to relax.

Although àMaurice isn’t the only winery in the valley to produce this varietal, it certainly enjoys a reputation for creating top-notch Malbec, and this may be what attracts most visitors to àMaurice. But Anna’s other creations also shine; critically acclaimed syrah, viognier, chardonnay and a Bordeaux blend that honors a different Northwest artist each year serve to showcase the talents of this dual-hemisphere winemaker. One particular example is the rich yet smooth 2006 red blend “The Tsutakawa,” which captured my palate for one exquisite moment.

The Schafer family, including parents Tom and Kathleen Schafer, planted 13 acres of Vitis vinifera grapes in the Mill Creek area east of Walla Walla in 2006. At 1,200 feet and with good air drainage, the location is reminiscent of Mendoza’s high-altitude vineyards. Now that the vineyards are mature, the family adheres to sustainable methods in maintaining them. The Schafers are charter members of Vinea, an alliance of Walla Walla wineries and vineyards that follow strict guidelines for sustainable viticulture.

The notion of sustainable crops is nothing new to the Schafers, given their family heritage. Tom’s father, Maurice Schafer, was responsible for developing a self-sustaining 20,000-acre evergreen tree farm. Because of Maurice’s vision, and his kindness toward others, the Schafers paid homage to him by naming the winery after him; in the French language, à Maurice means “to Maurice.”

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  Order the book!

  àMaurice Cellars was featured in WineTrails of Walla Walla as part of the Walla Walla WineTrail East on page 502!

• 

  Order the book!

  àMaurice Cellars was featured in WineTrails of Washington as part of the Walla Walla WineTrail East on page 502!