Winemaker Notes
A preliminary Trilogy blend was made after malo-lactic fermentation had concluded. The wine rested quietly in small (50% new) French oak barrels until just prior to bottling. At this time, an extensive tasting was conducted and the blend was adjusted.
The 1997 Trilogy is very extracted with aromas that suggest anise, black fruits and ripe dark cherries. It is rich in the mouth and expansive on the palate with ripe berry, black cherry, coffee and currant flavors dominating.
Professional Ratings
Undoubtedly proving its merit over and over, Napa Valley is a now a leading force in the world of prestigious red wine regions. Though Cabernet Sauvignon dominates Napa Valley, other red varieties certainly thrive here. Important but often overlooked include Merlot and other Bordeaux varieties well-regarded on their own as well as for their blending capacities. Very old vine Zinfandel represents an important historical stronghold for the region and Pinot noir is produced in the cooler southern parts, close to the San Pablo Bay.
Perfectly situated running north to south, the valley acts as a corridor, pulling cool, moist air up from the San Pablo Bay in the evenings during the hot days of the growing season, which leads to even and slow grape ripening. Furthermore the valley claims over 100 soil variations including layers of volcanic, gravel, sand and silt—a combination excellent for world-class red wine production.