Spring 2022 Release
Dear Friends,
We have so much to share with you, so many changes going on at the vineyard! Some of you may have seen pictures on our Instagram of the replant project happening that began this spring. This is phase two of a four phase project as we replace the declining vines. The overarching goal was to keep as much of our estate fruit as possible. In essence, we are “flipping” the vineyard along with a slight adjustment in row direction. I will say this phase seems to be the most dramatic so far as we pulled out all the vines on the south east side of the property that surround our barn. Gone are the old Merlot and Cabernet Franc vines and we will replant to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot. Have no fear, Cabernet Franc lovers…..the vines we planted in 2014 and 2018 with the same Cabernet Franc clone are now producing beautifully!
As we turn our attention to the new releases, the 2019 vintage shows what this valley can do without getting interrupted by fire or extreme drought. The beginning of the growing season was defined by heavy rainfall which gave us some late soil moisture. The long, warm summer saw very few extreme heat events, with foggy mornings setting the stage for some beautiful expressive wines. The relatively mild finish to the season let us get some good hang time to let the fruit develop great structure, bright acidity and soft tannins. Below are Kirk and Donny’s notes on the wines in this release.
2019 Trespass Cabernet Franc – 125 cases
What I love most about Trespass Cabernet Franc is its unwavering expression of site. Wines come from all over, in a multitude of microclimates and terroirs, but when a single varietal is planted on the correct site, the result can be profound. Trespass Cabernet Franc has stolen that secret and shares it with the world. Bold nose of dark red fruits, blueberry and plum with the savories of cedar and hints of earth. The palate relates to even more of the dark fruit and bits of cocoa nib. Varietal character carries nicely throughout the overall sensation of this wine with a nice shadow of Right Bank herbals so typical and welcome to Cabernet Franc. Just 125 cases of this wine produced and while quite young today, I trust that aged correctly this wine will drink superbly to 2039 and beyond. 100% new French Oak for 22 months, bottled Unfiltered and Unfined.
2019 Trespass INTRIGUE – 250 cases
The Intrigue is all about adding elegance to the lineup in 2019. This wine shows impeccable balance and the softer, lighter, and more feminine portrayal of Bordeaux blending. The cepage is comprised of 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 37% Merlot and 23% Cabernet Franc. While a bit toned down in muscle and volume, this wine is by no means less complex. The nose is a harmony of red fruit, sweet raspberry, cherry incense, cassis, hints of Christmas spices and warm vanilla bean. The palate speaks entirely of refinement with a gentle handed delivery of polished tannins, restrained extraction, and moderate alcohol. Flavors are lasting from front to back and focused mainly upon cherry tart, red fruit preserves and hard red candies. This wine is the perfect reach when looking for a stylish red that won’t flex and knock your senses. Enjoy now through 2037 and beyond. Aged in 70% new French Oak for 22 months, Bottled Unfiltered and Unfined.
2019 Trespass Mayhem – 100 cases
2019 was certainly a beautiful year and the Mayhem will be one of the standouts in the season’s lineup! Darling dark fruit is the focus of this hearty effort. Weighing in at 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot, this appears an even split on paper, but the overall deep color, presence, power, bold character, and length of this blended red rings true-to-type of a classical, fine Left Bank Bordeaux. The aromatics show depth of layers from top to bottom in the glass. Energetic and fumy black cherry preserves, toasted bread, black fruit, coffee bean and oak vanillin expression. The palate is bold with full, deep flavors of black cherry, brooding cranberry, dried currants, dark spices, and hint of clove. The cacophony of flavors, balanced acidity, firm tannins, and gorgeous center mass of Mayhem is quite remarkable. I truly believe that if cellared correctly, this wine will live nicely on to 2039 and beyond. Aged 22 months in 100% new French Oak, just 87 cases of this wine produced. Bottled Unfiltered and Unfined.
2018 Vintage Tasting Pack
Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Intrigue, Mayhem, Mischief and Rendezvous
When we offered a 2017 Tasting Pack last spring we had no idea what a hit it would be, so we decided to repeat the idea with the 2018’s. While the six bottle collection doesn’t include quite every wine we made this vintage, it is definitely a great representation of our special vineyard site.
We fulfill our orders on a first come – first serve basis, so please let us know what you might like as soon as possible. Each vintage we also make a small amount of magnums, so don’t hesitate to call on their availability or any older vintage you may want a little more of. Cheers to a beautiful spring for us all!
All the best,
Dana & Donny Gallagher
