2024 Spring Release
Dear Trespass Friends,
We could not be more excited to share the release of the first wines of the 2021 vintage!! While we were still dealing with drought conditions, it was generally a smooth and uneventful growing and harvest season. The result was intensely flavored, small sized berries that were a delight to work with. Overall production was low, so we did not create a 2021 Mayhem blend that you are used to seeing in the Spring release letter. We did, however, do an individual bottling of our estate Merlot, a mere 75 cases. The fruit was so spectacular on its own we wanted to let it shine. We lovingly refer to this vintage of Merlot as the “bon voyage” vintage as the very next year we started the second phase of our replant schedule, which included removing the small amount of Merlot vines we have.
In addition to the 2021 Merlot, we are releasing our Cabernet Franc and the Intrigue blend. You will also see the 2021 Chardonnay and 2019 Encroachment Pinot Noir on the order form, along with a 2019 vintage tasting pack which contains Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Intrigue, Mayhem, Rendezvous and Petite Verlot. Below you will find the tasting notes that Donny and Kirk have created together about the wines.
2021 Trespass Cabernet Franc – 130 cases
This Cabernet Franc is a deeply enticing wine, showcasing a rich and opulent profile. I love the way this wine stares back from the glass. The black opaqueness is incredible. On the nose, it offers an array of dark, ripe fruits, including blackcurrant and plum, accented by hints of blackberry and a touch of dried herbs. Typical of Trespass, the inherent vegetal characteristic of Cabernet Franc is always suppressed and in the background to the pure dark fruit. The palate is bold and full-bodied, with pronounced tannins that provide a firm structure. One hundred percent new French oak plays a wonderful supporting role to the structure and gravity of the wine. Dark chocolate nib and fresh espresso notes mingle with the fruit, adding complexity and depth. The finish is long and lingering, leaving a delightfully lasting impression. Bottled unfiltered and unfined.
2021 Trespass Intrigue – 155 cases
This deep, dark, wine is a dazzling cacophony of black fruit jams and preserves. The clever mélange of Merlot (16%), Cabernet Franc (34%) and Cabernet Sauvignon (50%) is packed with black cherry, crushed herbs, hints of anise and touches of cacao bean. The nose is generous and not ever pushy. The flavors take off quickly with broad black fruit, plum and a healthy dose of black cherry. We really enjoy the texture of this wine and there is plenty of backbone. Tasted multiple times over two days and consistent with firm structure, finesse, and fine tannins continued to give pleasure in droves. This is very much a food wine at this young age and will continue to age beautifully. Aged in 83% new French Oak, bottled unfiltered and unfined.
2021 Trespass Merlot – 75 cases
At our tasting, Kirk exclaimed, “Wow, this is one sensational wine! We all know the ’21 vintage is a huge hit in Napa Valley, and without exception, this Merlot is well over the top!” Drinking more in fashion like a dark, fine Cabernet, this intoxicatingly silky red begins with a dense, deep, garnet color. The fruit is quite focused and lifts up and out of the glass with purpose and enthusiasm. That is very exciting to find in any fine wine. Nuances of fresh, ripe black fruits, blackberry, cassis, generous cocoa nib, and notes of espresso. The mouthfeel is rich, ripe, long and smooth. The French oak balances the acidity and tannins in an astonishing supporting role. We all agreed that the 2021 Merlot is reminiscent of the rich and delicious 2014 Merlot which was a stand out. Only a mere three barrels, or 75 cases, of this gorgeous gem were produced. 66% New French Oak, aged 22 months, always bottled unfiltered and unfined. This wine will not disappoint!
Over the past couple of years, Donny has enjoyed traveling and doing small “Trespass on the Road” tastings. Please give us a call if that is something you would be interested in exploring with us. In addition, it has been such fun to see many of you visit us again here in the Napa Valley. We are always happy to host you and share some delicious wines. So let us know when you might be in our area.
We are entering a good shipping window, so please let us know which wines you may want us to send to you and we will ship right away. If you would like to specify a specific shipping date, please do so on the order form. Again, we are so grateful for the support of all of you, following us along on this wonderful winemaking adventure.
Dana & Donny Gallagher
