Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Druid's Red Applegate Valley 2023
Product Story
Druid’s Red is made with classic grapes found in the Rhône and Southwest France — this wine has the character of a generous Côtes du Rhone. The 2023 Druid’s Red is made with a blend of 30% Syrah, 27% Grenache, 20% Cinsault, 19% Mourvèdre, and 4% Carignan from the estate vineyard. But in a sense, it’s more than just five varieties as multiple clones of these varieties are planted strategically in their vineyard. Each clone delivers its distinct flavor and aromatic profile, contributing to the wine’s complex and alluring nature. The grapes were harvested from 15 September for the Syrah through 18 October for Carignan, with the other varietals picked on the dates between. As with all wines from Troon, no additives, acid or sugar adjustments, enzymes, or sulfur additions are used at crush. The primary fermentation occurs with the assistance of native yeasts. The wine is handled gently with just one punch-down or foot-trod daily. After fermentation, the wine was transferred to neutral French oak and concrete fermenters (25%) and minimally handled before bottling. We absolutely love it and so will you.
Brand Story
Troon Vineyard started quietly over four decades ago when Dick Troon planted vineyards in Southern Oregon. He sold grapes to local wineries but soon discovered that the best business decision was to create his own wines. He converted his barn to a winery and slowly built the brand until he sold the winery to his friend Larry Martin in 2003. Today, Troon Vineyard is owned by Dr. Bryan White and Denise White. The Whites along with Craig Camp, general manager, and winemaker Nate Wall lead the innovative wine making efforts at Troon. Nate has extensive winemaking experience in the Willamette Valley and brings a nuanced, almost Pinot Noir approach to winemaking. Craig is a wine industry veteran with a sharp palate, encyclopedic knowledge of the wines of the world, and relentless energy. Troon offers a wonderfully diverse selection of varietal wines and blends ranging from Malbec to Grenache and Vermentino to name just a few. Beginning with the 2018 vintage the fruit utilized by Troon was farmed 100% organically and biodynamically. All Troon wines were crushed by foot, fermented with only native yeasts with no additives of any kind. If you are seeking unique wines with style and gusto you need to get acquainted with Troon Vineyard.
Tasting Note
Brilliant, deep ruby color. The aromatics are intense, offering scents of plum, raspberry, and dried herbs with supporting notes of leather, mineral, hibiscus flower, thyme, and hints of cigar box. The palate echoes the nose, delivering a red fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, blueberry, earth, red currant, and mocha. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with an opulent texture.
How to Serve
Serve at cellar temperature and please decant this wine to wake it up. Serve with nothing but a glass or with grilled meats, pizza, or your favorite red sauce.
Price: $ 25
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4445
