A Duo of Wines from Trefethen Family Vineyards

Hello Friends,

Today’s Recent Sips segment features the Trefethen Family Vineyards' 2010 Merlot and 2010 Harmony Chardonnay. I had an opportunity to review these wines for a recent episode of CellarPass TV. The following day, I enjoyed the remainder of the Merlot for #MerlotMe -- a global celebration of the Merlot grape variety via social media portals. Trefethen Family Vineyards is one of the early pioneering families of Napa Valley. Established in 1886 but left to ruin, the modern wine era for the winery began when the Trefethen family purchased the run-down and abandoned property in 1968. At the time, there were fewer than 25 wineries in Napa Valley and wine grapes were not the region’s top crop. According to John Trefethen, “Plums, prunes and walnuts were the dominant crops.”

Pouring the Trefethen 2010 Merlot

Today, Trefethen remains family-owned and specializes in estate-grown wines sourced from their two vineyards in the Oak Knoll District. In addition to Chardonnay and Merlot, the winery produces (dry) Riesling, Cabernet Sauvignon, and estate blends. Below you’ll find my tasting notes accompanied by a picture I snapped of the bottle and a link to the wine. Remember: variety, so they say, is the spice of life; so, keep an open mind and an open palate and enjoy the experience. Drink well my friends!

Trefethen Family Vineyards 2010 Harmony Chardonnay

Review: Trefethen Family Vineyards' 2010 Harmony Chardonnay (SRP $50): This is 100% estate-grown Chardonnay from the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley. This vintage, the producer notes, was their coolest since 1978.  The wine is a bit tight initially, but a series of swirls reveal an enticing combination of pear, citrus blossom, and white peach aromas next to fragrant floral perfume accented by a dash of spice. The palate reflects the nose with seamless integration of fruit and oak, a supple texture, and well-balanced (tangy) acidity with a hint of tartness on the pleasant, medium-length finish. Overall, this is a wonderful food wine that is fresh and pure with an appealing understated elegance. (Other info: 26% malolactic fermentation, 10 months (38% new) French oak, ABV 14.1%, cork enclosure.) 90 Points. Click here to find this wine.

Trefethen Family Vineyards 2010 Merlot

Review: Trefethen Family Vineyards' 2010 Merlot (SRP $38): An appealing single-vineyard, estate-grown Merlot blended with 7% Cabernet Sauvignon and 6% Malbec. Welcoming scents of purple stone fruit and black cherry tones over dark, bittersweet chocolate notes lead the way followed by hints of cedar and baking spice. Medium to full-bodied and harmonious, this wine feels good in the mouth with a luscious mid-palate and (slightly) drier tannins on the medium-length, agreeable finish. In my opinion, this is one even old Miles would enjoy. Recommendation: Allow this wine to breathe for 25 to 30 minutes. (Other info: Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley appellation, 17 months in 69% French oak, 24% American and 7% Hungarian oak barrels, ABV 14.1%, cork enclosure.) 89 Points. Click here to find this wine.

Great Blue Heron

Have a question about this post? Feel free to drop me an e-mail at myvinespot@yahoo.com or hit me up on Facebook or Twitter. Stay tuned ...more to come. Happy Sipping, my friends! Disclosure: This wine was provided for review. Thoughts are my own.

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