2014 Achaval Ferrer Malbec Mendoza Argentina on Winestudio

*Scholarship sample received*

Interesting to learn the wine making philosophy and techniques of other regions along with soil makeup and climate interaction with the vineyards. It was fast and furious tonight with questions coming from all directions. I learned that bud break was a couple weeks early which is very interesting considering the same thing has happened here as well. Do we have an overall climate change in the world? Maybe too early to tell but sure seems that way. I like many had heart failure when 2 weeks ago a heavy 2 day frost hit the region. Thankfully the vines were dormant or this would have been disastrous. I also learned they taste barrels daily up to 1100! Sign me up I'll help with the "breakfast of champions" task.

The wine has some very nice aromas of wild flowers, dark cherry and raspberry with hints of blackberry. Nice smoke and spice notes along with a dusting of cocoa compliments the fruit on this complex gem. The mouth is fantastic with the raspberry, cherry and plum fruit so juicy. A pepper spice with a nice oak influence provide balance into the long silky finish. Loving this Malbec tonight and it was even better night 2!!!!

Tune in Tuesday for another edition of wine education at it's finest #Winestudio and see what we are sipping and talking about this week.

Cheers
Dan

A Trio Of Troon The Journey Continues

*Samples Received*

Back in July I posted my first tasting of Troon Wines  Troon Vineyards A New Journey Has Begun  where I gave a little history on the vineyard and winery. Today I wanted to focus on the wines but if you would like to read more about the winery and team, check out their new website  Troon Vineyard by clicking the link.

First wine was the 2013 Troon Blue Label Malbec, Rogue Valley with a SRP of $29. The fruit for this 216 case production wine originated in the Rogue Valley of Southern Oregon from the Varner-Traul Vineyard in Talent as well as Troon's Vineyard. While the juice was fermented separately, the wine was then blended together and aged in oak barrels. A wonderful expression of both vineyards in aromatics and taste. The nose expresses the ripe fruit of raspberry, black cherries and blackberry enveloped by a rush of violets and herbs. As the wine continues to open in the glass spice notes, vanilla with a hint of plum appear. The mouth is beautifully layered with tart cherry, juicy raspberry and blackberry with an earthy/dusty nuance followed by toasted vanilla and herbal spice. Soft on the finish. Beautiful wine.

Second wine was the 2013 Troon Black Label MT Reserve co-fermented 55.67% malbec and 44.33% tannat with a SRP $50. Just 195 cases bottled the grapes were harvested in mid September of 2013. The winemaker comment "Co-fermented a unique blend of Malbec for it's intensity of fruit, and Tannat with powerful embracing tannins." When first pulling the cork and pouring my nose quickly picked up this beautiful floral, spicy and smokey aroma followed by rich cherry and raspberry with a hint of vanilla bean. Continuing to swirl a touch of mocha and dark chocolate make a quick drive by. Really nice layers and aromatics. I loved the mouth on this wine with its wild cherry, strawberry and raspberry complimented by the vanilla notes and a quick splash of allspice. This will age nicely in the bottle for several years.

The final wine tonight 2013 Troon Blue Label Estate Tannat Applegate Valley with a SRP $29. With just 213 cases produced, the fruit was harvested from the vineyard high above the Applegate River near the snowfields of the Siskiyous Mountains. Cool Pacific winds provide the perfect climate for these Southern Oregon Tannat vines and allow the fruit to perfectly ripen. On the nose big red and dark fruit notes with spicy undertones and forest floor. Reminded me of swirling wine among the morning dew in the vineyard. The mouth was very nice with black and red raspberry complimented by dark cherry giving you a jammy/chewy sensation. Spice and earthy notes on the elegant finish. I did take Joe Powers lead and tasted this wine with some smoked gouda cheese. Perfect combination.

The Applegate Valley is becoming very popular for wines produced in Southern Oregon. Planning a wine trip then a stop by Troon is a must. Nicely done Craig!


Cheers
Dan

2015 CannonBall Sauvignon Blanc Sonoma County Quick Sip

*Sample received*

I had to chuckle when receiving this sample because I wondered if they looked into my childhood when we would "cannonball" off the high dive to get the female lifeguards soaked. But Cannonball Wines is serious about their wines which they feel should be affordable and enjoyed by all. While they may not take themselves to serious, they do have a passion for spreading the word about their fun wines and you should always "share a splash" with friends. Now lets open and enjoy.

On the nose nectarine and grapefruit with a touch of floral and citrus rind. Definitely crisp on the nose. The mouth shows the acidic character of the wine. Loads of grapefruit, nectarine, pineapple, melon and lemon/lime with a clean finish. This wine will work well as a patio sipper. Remember to share a "splash" with a friend and then head for the diving board!


Cheers
Dan

Winestudio Our Finale The Wines Of Marche and Umbria Castello Di Magione

*Wine Scholarship Samples*

As we participants bid farewell to the wines of Marche and Umbria, there were still facts to share and 3 amazing wines to drink from Umbria. Special thanks tonight to Fritz Winery and Giulia Luccioli for all the insight into the region and wines this evening. From the Order Of Malta to the history of the land and philosophy, I would love to now visit and ingrain myself with the culture. I always feel a sense of emptiness when our hour concludes.

The first wine was the 2013 Grechetto a crisp offering which is typically served as an apertif but I also see this as pairing well with a nice shrimp scampi. Excellent floral and mineral notes, tropical fruit along with lemon citrus making this start to the evening spectacular.

What Italian wine tasting would not be complete without this 2014 Sangiovese. The aromatics are beautiful with red fruit notes, a hint of spice and black tea. The mouth is luscious with sour cherry, strawberry with a hint of spice and dusty earth. Elegant juice. My absolute favorite of the night although all wines were very good. If someone told me I could have this wine everyday at every meal both hands would be up.....yes please.

The final wine of the evening the 2008 Morcinaia a blend of 40% Cabernet, 40% Merlot and 20% Sangiovese.The nose exhibits rich ripe dark fruit with currants and dried herbs.The mouth is soft with blackberries, plum, cherries with a hint of raspberry and well complimented by the currants and dried spice. Rich and so screamed for a nice pepper crusted grilled beef filet.

A trip to Italy is on my bucket list. A stop in Umbria and Marche is a must. Thank you Tina for this educational series and our guests Clay, Jonathan, Giulia for all your knowledge of the regions and especially the wines. I have a new love of Italy and you introduced me to some beautiful wines. Grazie!

Cheers
Dan