Tempranillo is the noble grape of Spain. It is the predominant varietal in the wines from the famous Rioja region, where it is sometimes blended with Garnacha (Grenache), Graciano, and Mazuelo (Carignan). In 1998, two acres of Tempranillo were planted on an isolated knoll in the southern part of the Truchard Estate Vineyard. The vines grow in volcanic soils and benefit from the cool Carneros temperatures. Tempranillo makes a unique, spicy wine, with deep purple color, lush texture, and firm acidity. It is a wonderful food wine.
From the coolest blocks on the estate, 25-45 year old vines allow for a complex and balanced Chard. Notes of pineapple, mango, Meyer lemon, quince, kumquat, green apples, spice, and white flower perfume.
This white varietal has been traditionally associated with the Northern Rhone, where it is blended with Marsanne to make white Hermitage wines. In 1998, three acres of Roussanne were planted on the southern end of the Truchard Estate Vineyard. Floral aromas of pineapple, honeysuckle, and jasmine with highlights of brioche and vanilla. The mouth is crisp, with clean flavors of fresh pear, honeydew melon and apricot. Bright acidity provides a lengthy finish of citrus, mineral, and spice.
The Carneros AVA produces some of the best Pinot Noir in the world and our Truchard Vineyard Estate Pinot Noir comes from some of the best blocks in our vineyards. Rich aromas of black cherry, pomegranate and wild strawberry; with hints of rhubarb, tea and earth. The mouth is silky, with flavors of cranberry, ripe plum and sweet vanilla.
The “Old Block” Pinot Noir is the oldest block of Pinot Noir on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. Planted in 1974 on St. George rootstock, these “Martini” selection vines have taken full advantage of the thin soils, rolling hills, and cooler temperatures of the region. They are some of the oldest vines in Carneros. This perfectly balanced vineyard consistently produces a crop of little clusters with small berries. The resulting wine exhibits an intensity, texture, and complexity that only mature vines can deliver.
Merlot is harvested from five separate hillside locations on the Truchard Vineyards Estate. The difference in these micro-climates and soil conditions have set our Carneros Merlot apart and has been a favorite of our customers since first planted in 1974. An intense nose of ripe plum, wild blueberries, and cassis with a hint of cedar, earth, and subtle mint. The mouth is layered with bright flavors of black cherries, red currents, and sweet vanilla. Ripe tannins fill the palate and provide an elegant finish of dried red fruits.
Cabernet Franc is planted in several different sites - on steep southwest-facing hillsides. The vines range from 21 to 35 years old, and produce wines that are deep in color, dominated by lush flavors of plum, berry, and spice. Cabernet Sauvignon which grows on adjacent blocks is blended in to provide firmness, complexity, and added age ability.
Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in several different sites on steep, southwestern facing hillsides. The vines range from 20 - 42 years old. Luscious aromas of raspberry, plum and cassis fill your senses with a touch of cedar and vanilla. Layers of ripe cherries, red currants and berry jam provide a rich mouth feel. Ripe tannins focus the palate and provide a lengthy finish of spice and deep red fruit.
Cabernet Sauvignon is the only wine produced by Truchard Vineyards with a “reserve” designation. It is a very limited bottling that is a tribute to the quality of this unique vineyard.
There are only 2 acres of Zinfandel planted on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. One acre is in the northern “Highlands” region, and the other acre is located at the southern end of the vineyard. The vines range from 25 to 33 years old and grow on steep hillsides composed of volcanic rock and ash. The porous soils and cooler Carneros climate combine to produce an exceptionally intense Zin, with unique fruit and spice components.
The 2020 Syrah is dark purple with a ruby edge with notes of fresh blackberries, baked cherry, espresso, toasted spice and black pepper jump from the glass. For how full-bodied this wine is on the palate, it’s amazingly light on it's feet for it's opulence. There’s great tension between the fine velvety tannic structure and fruit and richness in this low alcohol, cool-weather Syrah.
