Today we share the vision of a forensic psychiatrist, Dr. Steve Ruths. Dr. Ruths studied viticulture and enology, completing the UC Davis winemaking certificate program in 2008. 2009 was his first crush as a home winemaker starting with a half-ton of Syrah from the Estelle Vineyard in the Santa Ynez Valley. Since then, he has made wine with Alta Colina Grenache and Roll Ranch Syrah. In 2016, Steve purchased a 6-acre property in the Malibu Coast AVA. In 2017, preparing the land for planting began and in 2018 the first vines were planted. Additional plantings continued yearly through 2024 with approximately 6500 vines over 3 acres. Varietals include 3 clones of Syrah, 2 clones of Grenache, Durif/Petite Sirah, Touriga Nacional, Viognier, and Roussanne. Vines are spaced either at 4x6 or 3x5 feet. The vineyard was planted and is farmed by Martin Ramirez of the Ojai Vineyards. 2023 was their first commercial vintage with Nick Elliott making our wines at his winery Nicora in Tin City.
I had heard about these wines before. I’lll fully admit that I had never tasted these wines before last weekend — but they were marvelous! I love the 2023 ‘The Monk’ Syrah (OB, 94) which has great viscosity and nerve. Learn more at https://www.malibuwinecompany.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Dr. Steve Ruths and Malibu Wine Company.
2023 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Jungfrau’ Red Wine- The 2023 ‘The Jungfrau’ combines mostly Grenache (70%) with the remainder Syrah and a touch of Petite Sirah from the Dr. Ruths Vineyard on the Malibu Coast. It shows pretty red florals on the nose with tobacco leaf, dusty soils and Mandarin orange zest flavors on the palate. Fresh, with vibrant acidity, enjoy this beauty now and over the next ten years. Drink 2025-2035- 92
2023 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Monk’ Syrah- The seriously good 2023 ‘Frogtown Vineyard’ Syrah offers white pepper dusted brisket, violets and tar on the nose. The palate is rich and beautifully-textured with serious weight and verve. A glorious core of dark fruits greets you, with blueberry compote, crushed wet gravel and menthol notes. Drink 2025-2038- 94
2023 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Eiger’ Petite Sirah- Also sourced from the Malibu Coast, this 2023 Petite Sirah is a fleshy and delicious bottling that shows some serious potential. Once on the nose this takes on purple rose petals, scorched earth, green herbs and shades of rocky soils. The palate is wonderfully rich and beautifully-textured, with great tension and stony minerality. A generous, broad-shouldered bottling that is drinking great right now, enjoy over the next decade. Drink 2025-2035- 93