Tria Carneros Pinot Noir 1998

Tria was founded in 1993 by William Knittel and Philip Zorn, and is dedicated to the production of premium “alternative” reds, Pinot Noir, Zinfandel, and Syrah. Knuttel and Zorn’s winemaking philosophy is simple: search out unique vineyard sources, vinify with traditional Old World techniques, and emphasize the fabulous fruit and varietal characters inherent in California grapes without bludgeoning them with oak and other processing characters. Both Knuttel and Zorn have ranged far and wide in their winemaking careers, having been active in most of the appellations in Napa, Sonoma and Monterey Counties throughout their cumulative forty years in the wine industry. This breadth of experience has led them to excellent grape sources in all three areas, and has impressed upon them the unique characters each appellation imprints on their favorite red varieties. Tria strives to capture these characteristics in each wine, and the concept of “terroir” is amply demonstrated with each release. Tria’s wines are produced at Napa Wine Company, which is a collective smaller premium labels. Knuttel and Zorn source fruit and direct the winemaking, while Dave Lattin, former winemaker for Acacia Winery in the Carneros region, manages the day-to-day production activities. This dynamic Trio currently produces Carneros and Monterey Pinot Noir, Dry Creek Valley Zinfandel, and Monterey Syrah. These wines are either single vineyard wines or blends from two vineyards, as Tria firmly believes in the art and magic of blending. However, upcoming releases will feature vineyard-designates wines, and include a Paraiso Springs Monterey Pinot Noir as well as wine from a new vineyard, Lingenfelder Russian River Pinot Noir.