Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Druid's Red Applegate Valley 2022
Product Story
Troon Vineyard has dropped the “fluid” (from their historic Druid’s Fluid) and replaced it with wine. The subtle name change marks a not so subtle change in philosophy for the wines. The older versions were made from purchased grapes while the new Druid’s red and white are a reflection of Troon Vineyard’s estate biodynamic vineyards. Druid’s Red is made with classic grapes found in the Southern Rhône and thought Southern France. It’s composed primarily of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre with other complimentary varietals from the estate vineyard. The wine has the character of a hefty Côtes du Rhone. 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 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 complex and intense, offering scents of black currant and earth with supporting notes of blueberry, dried herbs, black tea, and hibiscus flower. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, black cherry, forest floor, dark chocolate, slate, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty 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 or your favorite red sauce.
Price: $ 25
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4350
