The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Applegate Valley

Varietal   Tannat

Retail Price   $50

ABV   13.7%

Score   5 Stars/97 points

In the Glass

Brilliant, dark ruby/purple color.

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black currant, slate, and forest floor with supporting notes of black tea, graphite, and hints of violet.

The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black cherry, black plum, iron, truffle, and tamari. The finish lingers with chewy tannins and tart berry accents.

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty, yet 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 $50 a bottle this wine certainly has a select audience seeking unique and rare (just 275 cases) wines of high quality. It's a bargain in our book.

Analysis

This is the sixth Troon Tannat that we have sampled and it is our clear favorite to date (keep in mind that 91 points was our lowest score for a Troon Tannat). The 2020 Troon Vineyard Tannat 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. Joining Tannat in this year’s blend is 24% Malbec — a great accompanying grape. This wine was fermented (about 75% whole clusters) with native yeasts for roughly four weeks. After fermentation the wine was pressed and aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months. It was then bottled unfined and unfiltered. On the label you can find "A poppy" by Oregon artist Janet Ekholm. Poppies are a favorite of the local honeybees who help keep a harmonious and diverse plant life at Troon.

How to Enjoy

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