Trefethen Family Vineyards, located in the heart of the Oak Knoll District of Napa Valley, is poised to write the next chapter in its rich history in 2018 when it celebrates its 50th anniversary.  Here’s what our tasting panel thought about a couple of their commemorative releases, as well as two other offerings from the winery:

Trefethen 2015 Cabernet Sauvignon

Grape(s): 85% Cabernet, 6% Petit Verdot, 5% Merlot, & 4% Mablec

Region: Napa Valley, California

Price: 55-60

Tasting Notes:

Inviting aromas of cassis, cherries, and blackberries meld with allusions of clove, dark chocolate, and toasty oak on the nose. Rich fruit flavors of currant, bramble berry, and black cherry come up front, flowing into nuances of barrel spice, dark chocolate, and mint on the palate. Nicely structured with cocoa tannins, it would be lovely with tender roast beef now or will develop nicely in your cellar.

Rating: 91

Trefethen 2014 Merlot

Grape(s): 83% Merlot, 9% Mablec, & 8% Cabernet

Region: Napa Valley, California

Price:

Tasting Notes:

Aromatics of blackberries, cherries, and blueberries wrap around elements of herbs and spice on the nose. Lots of dark fruit on the palate, with blackberry, cherry, and currant flavors accented by highlights of herbs, earth, and dark chocolate. Cocoa tannins provide a nice structure, that make this a solid wine, which will hold up to a hearty mushroom rague.

Rating: 91

Trefethen 2016 Dry Riesling

Grape(s): 100% Riesling

Region: Napa Valley, California

Price: 20-25

Tasting Notes:

The nose brings together aromas of pear, apple, citrus fruits, and minerals. Lively flavors of green apples, pears, and limes meld with floral and mineral hints on the palate. A crisp wine, with a food friendly acidity, pair a bottle with grilled halibut.

Rating: 90

Trefethen 2016 Chardonnay

Grape(s): 100% Chardonnay

Region: Napa Valley, California

Price: 30-35

Tasting Notes:

A bouquet of apples, pears, lemons, and white blossoms greets the senses. A fresh acidity carries flavors of green apple, Asian pear, and citrus fruit that interplay with suggestions of minerals and herbs on the palate. A vibrant wine and a refreshing departure from creamy, buttery chardonnay, open a bottle with a shrimp stir-fry.

Rating: 89