Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Kubli Bench Tannat Applegate Valley 2017
Product Story
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.
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 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.
How to Serve
Serve at cellar temperature and it performs best when decanted. Serve with nothing but a glass or with grilled meats.
Price: $ 45
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=3977
