Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Whole Cluster Fermented Syrah Applegate Valley 2018
Product Story
Troon Vineyard is going all-in on Syrah. Syrah is a grape that they feel is ideal suited to the climate and soils found in the Applegate Valley. The Syrah from this appellation creates wines that are more like the wines of the Northern Rhone rather than southern California or even the Southern Rhone. While Troon is replanting multiple vineyards they are establishing three large new blocks of Syrah, each in a different soil-type and each planted with different clones. This “Whole Cluster” Syrah is Troon’s reserve level Syrah for lack of a better term. The 2018 version is made with 30% whole cluster fruit. From 2019 on, each block of Syrah is divided into thirds with one getting 30% whole cluster, one 50% whole cluster, and one 100% whole cluster fermentation.
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, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black plum, mineral, and green peppercorn with supporting notes of black tea, cigar box, and dried herbs. The palate confirms the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of boysenberry, cardamon, leather, and dark cocoa. The finish is long and lingering with firm tannins and subtle oak accents. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a chewy texture.
How to Serve
This is a big wine that needs to be decanted and allowed to breathe comfortably for at least three hours. Serve it with you best roasted meats and you will have an instant classic meal.
Price: $ 45
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4040
