Written by Miss Maggie
Discover It.
The Old Block Pinot Noir from Truchard Vineyards is really a treasure. Similar to last week, I have a long personal relationship with the awesome owners of this gorgeous property in Southern Napa, the Carneros AVA, to be precise.The owners Joann and Tony are simply wonderful people. They always treat me like the princess that I am – letting me wander around their breathtaking property, chasing their friendly cats and even helping feed baby goats! But let’s talk about their amazing viticultural history and how they are one of the true family owned properties in Napa Valley. Tony had a medical practice in Texas and swept his administrator Joann off her feet. His family background was farming so it is no wonder that Tony had the grape growing/winemaking bug in him. Eventually, they moved to Napa in 1971. The Truchards were the second family to start planting in Carneros, which by the way, was considered at the time to be inferior to their more northern neighbors, St. Helena, Rutherford, Oakville etc. The rest, as they say is history as Carneros is on a par with any of the other 15 AVAs in Napa. They now own over 280 acres, planted to different varietals. Carneros is famous for the Burgundian varietals Chardonnay and Pinot Noir, so let’s talk about the sensuous Pinot varietal. If I may digress for a second, the Truchards only use their estate grapes, never, ever in their history have they purchased a grape, and they sell 80 percent to lots of their prestigious neighbors. Must be good grapes as they are in high demand.
Taste It.
The 2017 Truchard Pinot Noir Old Block is something very, very special. The grapes are harvested from the original single block planted in 1974. Much older than me. Yields are frighteningly low because these vines cannot bear a lot of fruit. The resulting wine has an intensity of flavors, a mouth texture and complexity that only mature, old vines can express. There are aromas of plum, strawberry and pomegranate with hints of a tea-like bouquet and earth. The mouth is incredibly rich, silky with that famous pinot cherry, cranberry coming through. The finish is one of incredible spice and red fruit.
Pair It.
I had this wine with homemade duck tacos, wow was I “blown away” by the food wine combination.
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