Sample the Wines of Trione Vineyards and Winery

When I discover a winery which is not very well known to the average consumer, I love sharing its information…not only about the wines but about those who are the creators.  Recently I was sent a sampler box of six wines from Trione Vineyards and Winery in Geyserville, California and trust me, when I’m in northern California again, I will stop by for more!

Marc and Vic Trione are part of a family which has spent forty years and more in the Sonoma County wine business.  Currently, they own and farm over 650 vineyard acres in the appellations of Russian River Valley, Alexander Valley, and Sonoma Coast.  In 2005 Trione Vineyards and Winery was established with a winery on their Home Ranch in the Alexander Valley.  Scot Covington was appointed winemaker and his collaboration with Marc and Vic resulted in a facility which is customized to accommodate small lots and hands-on winemaking.  Scot’s goal is to “make wines that express the highest level of quality across all varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, Sauvignon Blanc, Syrah, and Zinfandel.”  With winery operations and facility restoration as a family affair, Trione Winery boasts a tasting room, picnic area, and the Old Stone Building which is perfect for private parties.  Their website deserves a look so please check it out for more information.

And the wines…!  I have already written about the Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah and links to those articles are provided.  But you deserve to learn about the others.

**2010 Trione Russian River Valley Sauvignon Blanc – Originally reviewed in an article pairing this wine with Maryland crab cakes, this wine was delicious.  The grapefruit, citrus, and stone fruit aromas were intense in this choice using grapes from the celebrated Russian River Valley.  On the palate, the high acidity and crisp tastes of more grapefruit and a touch of green apples provided a snappy and mouthwatering finish.  You may find this wine for $23.00.

**2008 Trione Russian River Valley Chardonnay –  Loving the nose of citrus, grass, and intense oak, I was equally satisfied with its luscious tastes of herbs, spice, vanilla, ripe fruit and…honey!  With a tingly, spicy yet smooth finish, this Chardonnay was satisfying and rich.  Cost is $30.00.

**2008 Trione Russian River Valley Pinot Noir – Upon opening, I let the wine aerate for twenty minutes before my taste.  Aromas of bright spice, vanilla, ripe raspberries, currants and almonds were obvious.   Integrated tannins with tastes of more warm currants, pepper, herbs, and oak led to a long finish with a wonderful mouthfeel.  Cost is $35.00.

**2008 Trione Russian River Valley Syrah – This Syrah was deep purple in the glass with warm aromas of spice, deep red currants, and earth.  After oxidation, tingling tastes were of rich blackberries and more earth (just a bit!) paired with medium tannins and a smooth finish!  In a previous article, this wine was paired with Maryland Crab Cakes thanks to its rich sauces.  The cost of this lovely Syrah is $32.00.

**2007 Trione Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon – Warm, red jam with white pepper and vanilla were aromas I loved in this wine consisting of 85% single vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Merlot, and 2.5% each of Petit Verdot and Malbec.  In fact, I had to swirl the glass a bit more and inhale again and again!  On the palate, I tasted rich red fruits, bright cherries, more vanilla, and allspice and clove. This well balanced wine with a smooth, lingering finish was my favorite and the cost is $64.00.

**2007 Trione Alexander Valley Red Wine – Coming in as my next favorite, this delicious blend of Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot elicited aromas of earth, chocolate, herbs, and black currants.  Full bodied with a perfect blend of acidity, tannins, fruit and alcohol, the wine had tastes of cherries and vanilla and a smooth, lingering finish.  Cost is $48.00.

Boutique wineries which are crafting wines to suit a variety of palates deserve a mention…and I’ll be writing about more of them in the weeks to come.  Check out the website of Trione Vineyards and Winery and consider visiting when you are in Geyserville.  Enjoy!

Cheers! ~ Cindy