Trutina (1999)
SommeliAI Insights
A well-balanced red blend with rich dark fruit flavors and a smooth finish.
About this wine
The 1999 Trutina from Dunham Cellars is a Bordeaux-style blend that showcases the harmony of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. This wine presents aromas of black cherry and plum, complemented by subtle notes of tobacco leaf and star anise. On the palate, it offers flavors of dark fruits like blackberry and cassis, intertwined with hints of dried apricot and espresso. The tannins are polished and elegant, leading to a velvety, lingering finish. Notably, 'Trutina' is Latin for 'balance,' reflecting the wine's well-integrated components. This vintage has aged gracefully, maintaining its structure and depth over the years.
About the grape
The 1999 Trey Marie Trutina Meritage from Columbia Valley is crafted from a blend of traditional Bordeaux grape varieties: Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec, and Petit Verdot. Cabernet Sauvignon, known for its thick skins and hardy vines, contributes structure and aging potential to the blend. Merlot adds softness and ripe fruit flavors, balancing the tannins of Cabernet Sauvignon. Cabernet Franc introduces aromatic complexity with notes of tobacco and raspberry. Malbec, with its deep color and plum-like flavors, enhances the wine's depth. Petit Verdot, though late-ripening, imparts additional tannin and color, rounding out the blend. In the Columbia Valley's diverse microclimates, these varietals thrive, allowing winemakers to create balanced and expressive wines.
Quick facts
- 🍷 The term 'Meritage' is a blend of 'merit' and 'heritage,' created in 1988 to describe American wines made in the Bordeaux style.
- 🌄 The Columbia Valley AVA, established in 1984, is the largest wine region in Washington State, encompassing over 99% of the state's vineyard acreage.
- 🍇 Petit Verdot, one of the grape varietals in this blend, is known for its deep color and robust tannins, often used to add structure to wines.
- 🇦🇷 Malbec, another component, originated in France but has gained fame in Argentina, where it produces wines with deep color and rich fruit flavors.
- 🌿 Cabernet Franc, included in this blend, is a parent grape to both Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, contributing to the wine's complexity and aromatic profile.
Palate profile
Producer
Trey Marie Winery, located in Walla Walla, Washington, is known for its commitment to producing high-quality Bordeaux-style blends. Their signature wine, Trutina, is a Merlot, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc blend, reflecting the winery's dedication to balance and complexity. The winery has aimed to reach a wider market by producing around 7,000 cases from the 2000 vintage. Trey Marie's focus on crafting concentrated wines with juicy fruit flavors and lush finishes has contributed to its reputation in the region.
