The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Applegate Valley

Varietal   Vermentino

Retail Price   $15

ABV   12.5%

Score   4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, light green/gold color.

The nose is moderately intense offering scents of green apple, kumquat, and pear with supporting notes of jasmine and white peach.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a ripe orchard fruits-driven core with flavors of lychee and a pleasing waxy note. The finish is long and lingering with bright citrus accents.

Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a creamy texture.

Cool Factor

It's an Oregon Vermentino, which makes it pretty cool before you pull the cork. Once you get it open it proves to be very cool.

Value Grade

Oregon Vermentino from one of our most trusted winemakers in the Northwest for just $15 — that's a bargain.

Analysis

We see damn little Vermentino grown in the USA. The grape is native to Italy where it makes fresh and vibrant wines from Liguria to Sardegna and locations in between. It is also grown in the South of France with great success. For me this Troon Vermentino (Red Label) is very much in the mold of great Sardegna wines that showcase complex fruit flavors with accents of nuts and a slight waxy character. We absolutely loved the Troon 2014 Vermentino and the 2016 does not disappoint — in fact, it may a little bit better. This refreshing and surprisingly lush wine is fermented in stainless steel and the rested in seasoned French oak barrels for just four months. 95 points.

How to Enjoy

This terrific white is the ideal aperitif offering complex flavors with bright acidity. Pair this beauty with shellfish or Thai noodles.