2019 Spring Release
Dear Friends,
Beginning a new growing season always brings a sense of excitement and a long “to do” list. This year marks the 20th harvest we will have for Trespass Vineyard. The time has certainly flown by and we still love being farmers and winemakers. What a special way to connect with the world on so many levels. As I write this letter, our vineyard is quietly about to burst forth after a very wet, cool winter. We pruned the vineyard a little later than usual because of the rains, so that always delays budbreak. This doesn’t necessarily delay harvest in the fall as so many variables come into play over the growing season as a whole.
When we look back to the beginning of this project, our original idea was one Bordeaux blend wine from the three grape varietals we grow on our five acres. However, with that very first vintage in 2000, we decided to bottle both a 100% Cabernet Sauvignon and a 100% Cabernet Franc instead. (The Merlot wasn’t yet ready to play!) That one decision to focus on the individual varietals first set a course for us from that point forward and helped put Trespass Vineyard on the list of exceptional small producers staying true to their terrior! We couldn’t be more flattered to be part of that group.
The spring release is Cabernet Franc time!! Following are Donny and Kirk’s notes about the wines, all of which have our beloved varietal included in their blend. Available to order now on a first come, first serve basis.
2016 Trespass Cabernet Franc
125 cases produced
A lofty wine with big aspirations, the 2016 Cabernet Franc is built for the long haul. A red berry finesse along with cherry, tobacco and sandalwood permeates the nose with what one expects from this varietal, but with a tannic structure and phenolic complexity that will carry it for years to come. Brooding fleshy fruit on the mid palate with a creamy raspberry, smooth and lingering on the finish. This varietal does so well at the Trespass Estate site, I always wish for more! It’s a winery favorite every year and a cellar library favorite at home. 100% Cabernet Franc aged for 22 months in 80% new French oak and bottled unfiltered and unfined.
2016 Trespass MAYHEM
125 cases produced
A beautiful blend of 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Merlot, this is a very sensory diverse Right Bank blend. It leads with spice and dried currants with a smooth yet lavish mouthfeel. A powdery cherry sweet tart with a touch of cinnamon with grilled meats. What a beautiful and interesting wine, full of enjoyment and only five barrels produced! Some time given to this wine will certainly add to the complexity, but even now it is drinking beautifully. Aged for 22 months in 75% new French Oak, bottled unfiltered and unfined.
2016 Trespass INTRIGUE
75 cases produced
In a slight departure from our usual Intrigue blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, we have gone rogue with this vintage – a more typical Bordeaux blend. One third each of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc and Merlot, this wine is wild, powerful and exciting with youthful granular tannins and muscle! The ripeness has an awesome and understated power to it. The nose is focused and shows outward clove cooking spices and on the palate, hints of espresso roast and dark brownie chocolate. A deep, rich, savory and fun wine for sure that should stretch for many years to come! A smaller production this year with on 75 cases made. Aged in 75% new French oak, bottled unfiltered and unfined.
2016 Trespass MISCHIEF
125 cases produced
Donny just can’t resist getting his hands on some great fruit and blending in the barrel stacks! This Bordeaux blend is a direct cousin to our Rendezvous with 50% Cabernet Franc and 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, but sourced from two other well respected vineyards. The Stagecoach Cabernet Sauvignon and Sugarloaf Franc from southeastern Napa Valley work beautifully together to create this wine. Opening with dark red fruit, deep black cheery and blackberry preserves! This wine hangs on the balance of fantastically playful and on a more serious side, it has enormous aromatics as an array of pleasure wafts from the glass. With years to build on, this wine will become more savory with some olive notes that will eventually make their way in and hence refine the wine in an incredible way! Aged for 22 months in 75% new French oak and bottled unfined, unfiltered.
Please feel free to reach out to us anytime, we truly love hearing from all of you! We have recently received emails about how our older wines are being enjoyed and it means so much to us (and usually a trip deep into the cellar to try a bottle ourselves!) One collector told us how beautifully our 2003 Cabernet Franc was drinking which has prompted the idea of a grand library tasting later this summer. Watch our website for our reviews on each vintage later in the year.
We raise a glass to all of you and a wonderful 20th vintage ahead!
~ Donny and Dana Gallagher
