Trefethen Double T Napa Valley Red Wine 2007

by Jacob

Lately, California wine makers seem to be producing more and more blended red wines. Perhaps it is an attempt to create Bordeaux or Rhone style wines to capitalize on the popularity of French wine. In other instances, it appears that California wine makers are attempting to express “terroir” and highlight place in their offerings. Blending red wine is one of accomplishing that, as the wine maker can show off a particular vineyard with a field blend or a vintage by blending various grapes to make an expressive wine.

For several years, Trefethen Family Vineyards has produced a blended red wine under the label Double T Napa Valley Red. In explaining the wine, Trefethen says:

Many of the vines producing the grapes for this wine are trained on a quadrilateral cordon trellis, commonly known as “Double T.” The vine is pruned and trained so that its branches, or cordons, form four arms resembling two Ts, hence the name. Double T also refers to the two Trefethens, owners John and Janet, who created the Tempting Taste of this fine red wine, which you may find yourself Tasting Twice.

In 2007, the wine was a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlto, Cabernt Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec. It has a very dark cherry and spice nose that produces a dark (think inky) colored wine that is high in tannis on the first sip. With flavors of pit fruit (mostly plums), some raspberry, and hints of cocoa. Over time this $25 wine opens up nicely and seems to be a candidate for a bit more time in the cellar before opening. (Rating ****)

Leave a Reply Cancel reply