Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées Applegate Valley 2018
Product Story
The ultimate pairing of Tannat and Malbec found in Troon's Cuvée Pyrénées in the third vintage of this inspired red blend. Troon calls their Cuvée Pyrénées a "statement wine" as they feel it demonstrates the sum of the great fruit from their estate vineyards paired with their winemaking philosophy. The previous two vintages were closer to a 50/50 blend of the two varietals. They had assumed that the Tannat would overwhelm the Malbec — they learned otherwise. Their opulent Malbec had softened Tannat's angular nature for their liking. This 70/30 (Tannat heavy) blend represents what we can expect from the Cuvée Pyrénées today and in vintages to come. The two varietals are co-fermented, a technique often used at Troon to create harmony in the wine from the very first day of fermentation through aging in mature French Oak Burgundy barrels for a period of 24 months. An instant classic.
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 currant and smoked meat with supporting notes of forest floor, black tea, graphite, dried herbs, and baking spices. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, black cherry, five spice, mineral, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with supple tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a chewy texture.
How to Serve
Serve at cellar temperature and it performs best when decanted and allowed to breathe for an hour before service. Serve with nothing but a glass or with grilled meats.
Price: $ 65
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4046
