Trione 2016 Alexander Valley Henry’s Blend
Once again Mother Nature has provided Sonoma County another vintage year for growers and winemakers. 2016 was by many measures an exceptional year to grow grapes. The season started early as did the previous year. The crop was slightly larger than 2015 but excellent quality. It was an early harvest season, beginning mid-August and finishing up by the end of September, another record year here at Trione Vineyards and Winery.
Retail: $60
Cases produced: 1,271
Winemaking
The grapes were all hand harvested, sorted and sent directly to small open top fermentation tanks. The fermentations were done using a unique cap irrigation device that brings in air as the free-run wine is being circulated over the cap during the peak of fermentation. This technique ensures the binding of tannins with the color compounds found in the grapes as well as maximizing proper yeast cell health and viability. The blend consists of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon, 34% Merlot, 13% Petit Verdot, 13% Cabernet Franc and 5% Malbec. The varieties were fermented and aged separately then blended together after 12 months.
Tasting Notes
The 2016 Trione Henry’s Blend is a classic Bordeaux-style wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate but dance elegantly together in this rich and inviting combination of aromas, flavors, and textures. Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec round out the ensemble adding just that extraje ne sais quoi.This wine will age gracefully for the next 10 plus years.
