Last week may have been Valentine’s Day but at my house it was Christmas.In December I 
received an email from Lori at Trione Vineyards & Winery. She saw my post on Biltmore wines and wanted to know if I’d like to receive a sample of Trione wines. My answer of course was yes. I’m always excited to sample wines I’ve not had before and was looking forward to this one immensely.
The package finally arrived in January and to my delight inside were six 50ml bottles, just enough for a taste. My husband and I decided to treat them as blind tastings and try to guess what varietal each was, I was only wrong on one which was a red wine blend. As we were opening and tasting each, Mikkel commented, “It’s like Christmas.” Yes, it was very much like Christmas in February.
Sauvignon Blanc Russian River Valley 2008
Crisp citrus aromas combine with herbal and grassy notes. Light and refreshing wine
Grown on the Trione River Road Ranch, located in the Russian River Valley, the grapes are fermented in temperature controlled stainless steel tanks. Fermentation takes place using a variety of yeast types, specifically selected for aroma enhancing qualities.
Region – Russian River Valley AVA
Alcohol – 14%
TA – 8.29 g/L
pH – 3.31
SRP – $23
Chardonnay Russian River Valley 2008
Floral aromas combine with buttery flavors ending with a crisp clean, finish.
Trione River Road Ranch is located on the western side of the Santa Rosa Plain. The well-drained soils and cool nights provide the ideal growing conditions for the grapes.
Region – Russian River Valley
Alcohol – 4.3%
TA – 6.52 g/l
pH – 3.33
SRP – $30
Pinot Noir Russian River Valley 2008
Earthy and dark berry aromas. Fruit forward with bold black cherry flavors, soft tannins and a long smooth finish. I’m picky about my Pinot Noir wines but this was delightful.
Like the Chardonnay, the Pinot Noir grapes are grown on the western side of the Santa Rosa Plains. The well drained loamy soils and cool evenings provide ideal growing conditions.
Region – Russian River Valley
Alcohol – 14.3%
Total Acid – g/L 6.00
pH – 3.81
SRP – $35
Syrah Russian River Valley 2008
Aromas of black fruit consisting of plum and currants intermingle with black pepper. Earthy flavors combine with blackberry and spicy pepper. Nice balance between acidity and tannins.
The wine is made using small-batch techniques including fermentation in small, open-top fermenters with whole berries and hand plunging the cap four times daily to allow for maximum flavor and color extraction. Using whole berries provides a deep blackberry fruit character and added complexity
Region – Russian River Valley
Alcohol – 15.3%
Total Acid – g/L 5.81
pH – 3.74
SRP – $32
Cabernet Sauvignon Alexander River Valley 2007
Aromas of plum and leather. Complex fruit flavors ranging from cassis, strawberry, raspberry and plum with a long velvety finish. This was my favorite and leaves me asking for more please.
Grapes are from a single vineyard, Trione Cloverdale Ranch located on the western side of the Mayacamas Mountains in Alexander Valley. Vines were planted in 2001 in clay and sandy loam soils.
Varital – 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, 2.5% Petit Verdot and 2.5% Malbec.
Region – Alexander Valley
Cases – 733
SRP – $64.99
Red Wine Blend Alexander River Valley 2007
Black currant and cocoa aromas. Full bodied with medium to high tannins. Bramble berry and loads of oaky flavors. When doing our blind tasting I originally thought this to be a Merlot. Turns out it’s a blend of Cabernet and Merlot.
Varital – blend of 57% Cabernet Sauvignon from Trione’s Nervo Ranch, 35% Merlot from Trone’s Geyserville Ranch and 4% Petit Verdot and 4% Malbec both from Cloverdale Ranch
Well it may not be Christmas this week but tomorrow is my birthday. Anyone who wants to send me gifts just let me know, I’ll be a happy recipient.
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