Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Estate - Kubli Bench Cuvée Côt Malbec Applegate Valley 2016
Product Story
Troon Vineyard is always clever and it often signals style along with the varietal. In the USA most wine drinkers know Malbec as an Argentine wine unaware that the grape is of French origin. In my view the best expression of Malbec can be found in the appellation of Cahors in the Southwest of France. In Cahors Malbec is known as Côt. The Troon Vineyard Malbec Cuvée Côt is very much like a wine of Cahors with savory dark fruits dominating with firm tannins to add structure. Like all Troon reds this Malbec is fermented in one ton fermenters with punchdowns by hand. It is aged in seasoned (used — not new) oak for a period of 18 months.
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 Steve Hall lead the innovative wine making efforts at Troon. 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 Tempranillo 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 very intense offering scents of black cherry and five spice with supporting notes of leather, black tea, plum, and balsamic. The palate echoes the nose delivering a red and black fruits-driven core with flavors of boysenberry and sour cherry with accents of earth and vanilla. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins. Medium to full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a opulent texture.
How to Serve
Please decant this wine, especially in its youth, to wake it up and allowing the aromatics to blossom. Think French and serve this lovely wine with cassoulet.
Price: $ 35
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=3857
