Winemaker Notes
The 2016 Trione Henry’s Blend is a classic Bordeaux-style wine. Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot dominate but dance elegantly together in this rich and inviting combination of aromas, flavors, and textures. Petit Verdot, Cabernet Franc and Malbec round out the ensemble adding just that extraje ne sais quoi.This wine will age gracefully for the next 10 plus years.
Professional Ratings
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Wine Enthusiast
This is a blend of 35% Cabernet Sauvignon and 34% Merlot, with smaller amounts of Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Tones of clove, cassis and blackberry jam carry the effusive palate, with a floral accent adding lift.
One of the world’s most classic and popular styles of red wine, Bordeaux-inspired blends have spread from their homeland in France to nearly every corner of the New World. Typically based on either Cabernet Sauvignon or Merlot and supported by Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot, the best of these are densely hued, fragrant, full of fruit and boast a structure that begs for cellar time. Somm Secret—Blends from Bordeaux are generally earthier compared to those from the New World, which tend to be fruit-dominant.
Nearly a northern extension of Napa Valley, Alexander Valley starts just north of the small, Knights Valley, and is just a few minutes drive from the Napa town of Calistoga. It is Sonoma County’s hottest AVA. But the Russian River, which runs through the valley, creates cooler pockets and its soft, alluvial soil is ideal for grape growing, especially Cabernet Sauvignon. In fact, some believe that Alexander Valley Cabernets truly rival the best from Napa Valley and many of the heavy-hitter producers have largely invested here.
In addition to Cabernet Sauvignon, which makes up over 50% of plantings, Merlot and old vine Zinfandel thrive here. Ample, fleshy Chardonnay and Sauvignon Blanc dominate white wine production. Some old-vine plantings of Grenache have also been discovered and more recent experiments with Sangiovese and Barbera show great promise.