Troon Vineyard Syrah Applegate Valley 2020

The Data

Country USA

Appellation Applegate Valley

Varietal Syrah

Retail Price $40

ABV 13.9%

Score 5 Stars/98 points

In the Glass

Appearance

Brilliant, deep ruby/purple color.

Aromatics

The aromatics are intense, offering scents of black currant and blackberry with supporting notes of forest floor, graphite, black pepper, rosemary, and black tea.

Flavor

The palate echoes the nose delivering a black fruit-driven core with flavors of black plum, five spice, blackberry, cardamon, and slate. The finish is long and lingering with chewy tannins.

Intensity & Texture

Full-bodied and perfectly balanced with a supple texture.

Cool Factor

We were fans of Troon Vineyard wines from the start but today the wines are better than ever and extremely cool by our standards.

Value Grade

B+

At $40 this is not likely your Tuesday night Syrah but it is worthy of a great weekend meal. Considering that there are only 250 cases made, we find this stellar Syrah to be a great value.

Analysis

Troon Vineyard has gone all-in on Syrah. It’s easy to see why as Syrah flourishes in their estate, organic and biodynamic vineyard in Oregon’s Applegate Valley. Troon’s Syrah is more balanced and restrained than most New World Syrah with moderate alcohol and an ideal balance of acidity. This 2020 Syrah was spontaneously fermented with native yeasts in open-top bins with about a third of grapes in whole clusters. After a three to four week fermentation the wine was pressed and aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months. The wine was then bottled unfined and unfiltered. This is absolutely our favorite Troon Syrah to date. Just 250 cases made so get yours fast. On the label you can find Valerian by Oregon artist Janet Ekholm. Valerian is an essential plant used in Troon's biodynamic preparations.

How to Enjoy

Serve at cellar temperature — decant and allow this wine to breathe for at least 30 minutes. Serve with a grilled meats or complex stews.