Troon Vineyards A New Journey Has Begun For This Historic Winery

*Samples Received*

Imagine my surprise hearing Craig Camp was moving from the Napa Valley to the Applegate Valley AVA of Oregon. It was 6 years ago when he introduced me to the wines he represented but knowing him this new venture was an opportunity to showcase distinct wines from a new growing region.

Historic Troon Vineyards was first planted in 1972 by Dick Troon so as you can see the vineyard has been around for some time. The addition of winemaker Steve Hall (2014 his first full vintage) along with Craig the journey has begun. How these wines will evolve in the next year, two, five and ten is very exciting. Steve is moving toward a more natural wine making process. Craig comments "Our wines are almost all trodden by foot, fermented with indigenous yeasts and go through natural malolactic fermantations." He goes on to say that only small fermenters are used and no pumpovers just good old punch downs by hand. You will find these wines "clean, elegant and refined with bright, fresh fruit flavors."

First wine was the 2014 Blue Label Vermentino/Sauvignon Blanc Applegate Valley. This wine is 80% Vermentino and 20% Sauvignon Blanc. Right out of the gate (no pun intended) lemon, pear, fresh sliced almond and some nice herb and floral notes. The mouth was a citrus blast with lemon curd, lime zest with dried herbs intertwined. The finish showed a touch of honey with a quick splash of orange peel. If you love citrus this crisp refresher is for you. Well done!

Second wine is the 2014 Longue Carabine Applegate Valley. Named after the rifle used by the pioneers who traveled across the country, this wine is a unique blend of 3 lots marsanne/viognier, vermentino/sauvignon blanc and a vermentino/muscat. On the nose ripe peach and apricot with a hint of coconut and chopped thyme. Mouth is full of juicy peach and apricot with a hint of ginger and herbs on the finish. A nice crisp hot summertime wine!.

Last up the 2014 Red Label Zinfandel Applegate Valley.  The nose is big with blackberry, cinnamon and dark chocolate aromas. The mouth is luscious  raspberry, dark berries with milk chocolate and a nice pepper spice. Classic Zinfandel and I paired this with my spaghetti/meat sauce. For a big aroma wine once allowed to open there was this subtle softness. Really nice Zin Craig!.

Keep this winery on the radar. Producing some very fine wines which will only get better!

Cheers
Dan