The Data

Country   USA

Appellation   Applegate Valley

Varietal   Red Blend

Retail Price   $25

ABV   12.5%

Score   4.5 Stars/96 points

In the Glass

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.

Cool Factor

The Troon Vineyard Druid's Red is ultra cool as Troon Vineyards shows us their unique take on a Côtes du Rhone-style wine done with gusto.

Value Grade

Druid’s Red is Troon's house/signature red wine developed in their estate vineyards and blended to be the best expression of the vintage. It's a tremendous bargain in our estimation.

Analysis

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.

How to Enjoy

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.