Today we share the story of Malibu Wine Company. Psychiatrist Dr. Steve 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, Dr. Ruths 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.
This is now the second time that I have tasted Dr. Ruths’s wines. The wines are big and bold, with terrific texture and good underlying finesse. The wines from the Malibu Coast in particular are really novel and unique. This location clearly has some serious potential.
I love the 2024 ‘The Monk’ Syrah (OB, 94) which has amazing flavor density and is irresistible to enjoy now. Learn more at https://www.malibuwinecompany.com/ and here are my reviews of the new wines by Dr. Steve Ruths and Malibu Wine Company.
2024 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Jungfrau’ Red Wine- The 2024 ‘The Jungfrau’ is different than the ’23 as this edition is all Grenache from the Dr. Ruths Vineyard on the Malibu Coast. Damp earth and red rose petals mark the nose alongside cranberry and orange peel notes. The palate is fresh and viscous with amazing texture and depth. A stunning edition of this wine that is hugely novel and delicious, enjoy now and over the next eight years. Drink 2026-2034- 93
2024 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Monk’ Syrah- Sourced from Paso Robles, the 2024 ‘Frogtown Vineyard’ Syrah is a dense, intense and highly hedonistic bottling that is not for the weary. Black currant compote, damp earth, white pepper dusted brisket and shades of creme de violette all combine on the palate. Loaded with richness and texture, enjoy now and over the next ten years. Drink 2026-2036- 94
2024 Malibu Wine Company ‘The Eiger’ Petite Sirah- A truly unique wine sourced from the Malibu Coast, the 2024 ‘The Eiger’ Petite Sirah is a gorgeous rendition of this bottling. Once on the nose this takes on green peppercorns, dense black and blue fruits alongside shades of milk chocolate covered pastry crust. The palate is filled with both verve and flavor density, with serious texture and mouth-watering acidity. Glorious in its heady youth, watch this evolve over the next decade. Drink 2026-2036- 93