Beverage of the Week (BOW)
Troon Vineyard Kubli Bench Amber Applegate Valley 2020
Product Story
Troon Amber is made with a unique blend of 64% Riesling, 27% Vermentino, and 9% Viognier. This is Troon’s second vintage of their Kubli Bench Amber — last year’s vintage comprised 10% more Riesling. Note that 2021 will be the last vintage of this wine that included Riesling. That vineyard block is being replanted — perhaps with Grenache Blanc (a great choice in our estimation). This is a true orange wine as the grapes are farmed like red varietals and the grapes are fermented on their skins for three weeks. The wine is then aged on its lees for five months in neutral French oak casks. We find this wine to be a strong step forward from last year’s very tasty Amber. The Troon Amber is part of their Kubli Bench Series of estate wines. These unique blends will include Rouge, Blanc, Rosé, and the Amber that is featured here. There is an interesting evolution in winemaking at Troon happening right in front of our eyes and grateful palates.
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
Hazy, medium golden color. The nose is moderately intense offering scents of lychee and quince with supporting notes of orange peel, lemon curd, and peach. The palate confirms the nose delivering a tropical fruits-driven core with flavors of white peach, apricot, tropical fruit, slate, and citrus zest. The finish is long and lingering with accents of tart pineapple emerging. Medium-bodied and perfectly balanced with a vibrant, yet rich texture.
How to Serve
Serve chilled as a great aperitif or serve alongside ceviche, escabeche, or a your favorite curry.
Price: $ 35
BevX Review: http://bevx.com/wine-detail/?id=4084
