The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Applegate Valley

Varietal   Tannat

Retail Price   $45

ABV   13.8%

Score   4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant, campfire, and plum with supporting notes of slate, smoked meat, and cardamon.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black fruits, black tea, and five spice with hints of earth. The finish is long and lingering with classically firm Tannat tannins.

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty and supple texture.

Cool Factor

A beautifully made, cool-climate Tannat is always very cool and this fine example is our all-time favorite American Tannat.

Value Grade

Selling at $45 a bottle this wine certainly has a select audience seeking unique and rare (just 150 cases) wines of high quality. Forty-five dollars for a truly unique wine is always a bargain in our estimation.

Analysis

This is the fourth Troon Tannat that we have sampled and it is our clear favorite. In fact, this is the best American Tannat that we have ever tasted. The Troon Tannat grapes are grown in the high bench land above the Applegate River very near the spring snow lines. Tannat is believed to have originated in the Basque region but it made its mark a bit north in the South West France appellation of Madiran. Tannat is known as one of the most tannic of all wine grapes. Often these tannins are under ripe even when the sugars and alcohol soars in the wine. Troon has managed to fully ripen these tannins and tame them while utilizing their textural and structural attributes. It's simply beautiful. This is a wine that will evolve slowly and gracefully in your cellar.

How to Enjoy

Serve at cellar temperature and it performs best when decanted. Serve with nothing but a glass or with grilled meats.