Troon Vineyard Druid's Red Applegate Valley 2022

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Applegate Valley

Varietal Red Blend

Retail Price $25

ABV 13.9%

Score 4.5 Stars/95 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, deep ruby color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are complex and intense, offering scents of black currant and earth with supporting notes of blueberry, dried herbs, black tea, and hibiscus flower.

Flavor

The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, black cherry, forest floor, dark chocolate, slate, and oak. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a meaty texture.

Cool Factor

The Druid's Red is ultra cool as Troon Vineyards shows us their unique take on a Côtes du Rhone-style wine done with gusto.

Value Grade

Druid’s Red is Troon's house/signature red wine developed in their estate vineyards and blended to be the best expression of the vintage. It's a tremendous bargain in our estimation.

Analysis

Troon Vineyard has dropped the “fluid” (from their historic Druid’s Fluid) and replaced it with wine. The subtle name change marks a not so subtle change in philosophy for the wines. The older versions were made from purchased grapes while the new Druid’s red and white are a reflection of Troon Vineyard’s estate biodynamic vineyards. Druid’s Red is made with classic grapes found in the Southern Rhône and thought Southern France. It’s composed primarily of Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre with other complimentary varietals from the estate vineyard. The wine has the character of a hefty Côtes du Rhone. As with all wines from Troon, no additives, acid or sugar adjustments, enzymes, or sulfur additions are used at crush. The primary fermentation occurs with the assistance of native yeasts. The wine is handled gently with just one punch-down or foot-trod daily. After fermentation the wine was transferred to neutral French oak and minimally handled before bottling. We absolutely love it and so will you.

How to Enjoy

Serve at cellar temperature and please decant this wine to wake it up. Serve with nothing but a glass or with grilled meats or your favorite red sauce.