Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Tannat Applegate Valley 2018
Product Story
This is the fifth Troon Tannat that we have sampled and it is just as good as last year's — our then favorite and now co-favorite. Like the 2017 the 2018 Troon Vineyard Tannat 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 — Troon tames these tannins while still making a firm and robust wine. This wine was fermented with native yeasts, underwent natural malolactic fermentation, and was aged for 24 months in mature French oak. 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, dark ruby color. The aromatics are very intense offering scents of black currant and blackberry with supporting notes of wet stones, cardamon, black tea, earth, and hints of campfire. The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, five spice, forest floor, and graphite. The finish is long and lingering with firm but polished tannins. Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture.
How to Serve
Serve at cellar temperature and it performs best when decanted — if served today decant for one hour. Serve with grilled game or a rich and complex stew.
Price: $ 45
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4047
