Troon Vineyard Cuvée Pyrénées Applegate Valley 2018

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Applegate Valley

Varietal Red Blend

Retail Price $65

ABV 14.3%

Score 4.5 Stars/96 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, dark ruby color.

Aromatics

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.

Flavor

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.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a chewy texture.

Cool Factor

We have learned to expect all of the wines from Troon Vineyard to be very cool and their signature Cuvée Pyrénées is at the top of that mountain.

Value Grade

It may be hard to imagine that a $65 bottle of wine can earn a grade A value score but it does when it's ultra rare and of supreme quality (roughly 250 cases made).

Analysis

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.

How to Enjoy

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.