©Malibu Family Wines
Saddle Rock Malibu is an AVA nestled in the Santa Monica Mountains at the western edge of Los Angeles County, California. While the name Malibu is more synonymous with white, sandy beaches and movie stars, it is now beginning to attract attention for rich, earthy red wines made from Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah and Merlot.
The AVA covers 2090 acres (845ha) in a valley just five miles (8km) from the Pacific Coast, where the Santa Monica Mountains jut straight up from the coastline. Ventura County is three miles (5km) to the west, and downtown Los Angeles is 30 miles (50km) away.
The vineyards of Saddle Rock Malibu can be found at altitudes of up to 2000ft (610m) above sea level, planted on sunny, south-facing slopes. The location is important, because the daytime heat is countered by much colder evenings, when the grapes have a chance to cool off. This extends the growing season, allowing the berries to develop rich varietal character while retaining balance and acidity.
Stony, mountainous soils on the steep slopes are ideal for the production of quality grapes. Low in nutrients and free draining, these soils make the vines struggle to survive. The stressed plants produce lower yields of fruit, with greater flavor concentration.
Saddle Rock Malibu is known for its beauty and has featured in many movies and advertisements. Viticulture in the area didn't take off in any commercial way until the 1990s, and the zone was delimited as an AVA in 2006. Nowadays, many boutique wineries are popping up in the AVA and producing ultra-premium styles of wine.
