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Cabernet Franc is one of the lesser-known Bordeaux varietals. Traditionally it was thought that this grape produced a soft, non-descript wine, which was best used for blending. At Truchard Vineyards we have discovered that it produces an intense, full-bodied wine that adds complexity and richness to our Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon, but has enough character and structure to stand on its own. The 2001 Cabernet Franc has Intense aromas of black cherry and floral blueberry; highlighted with cedar, tobacco, and mint. The mouth is layered with ripe flavors of berry jam, cassis, and plum. Supple tannins fill the palate and provide a lengthy finish of red fruit and spice.

Carneros is not well-known for its Cabernet Sauvignon. The general belief is that this grape needs warmer temperatures to fully ripen. The fact is the Truchard Vineyards has been growing Cabernet in the cooler Carneros climate for nearly 30 years, with great success. The vines are planted on the warmer, southwest facing slopes for maximum sun exposure. The result is a big wine, with tremendous color and structure. Cabernet Franc is blended in to provide added softness and complexity. The 2001 Cabernet Sauvignon has bright aromas of floral blueberry, ripe plum, and blackberry, with hints of cedar, vanilla, and mint. The mouth is rich and smooth: jammy flavors of raspberry, black cherry, and red currants. Round tannins fill out the palate and provide a long, opulent finish of spice and red fruit.

The Cabernet Sauvignon Reserve is always considered the "best of the best " from each year. The 1999 Reserve Cabernet is a prime example of what our vineyard can produce in a classic Cabernet vintage. It has a powerful nose of black rasberry and cassis, highlighted with cedar, cocoa, and mint. Flavors of cherry jam, ripe plum, and red currant dominate the mouth. Firm, dusty tannins provide a long, velvety finish. This is a big wine, with loads of fruit and plenty of structure-a must have for you cellar! It will continue to soften and evolve over the next 15 to 20 years.

Chardonnay is planted throughout the southern part of the Truchard Estate Vineyard. The various marine soils and cooler temperatures make the Carneros region ideal for growing Chardonnay. Grapes are harvested cold then whole cluster pressed. The wine is barrel fermented in French oak, and aged on the lees for 10 months. These techniques produce a complex, full-bodied wine with a delicate structure. The 2004 Chardonnay has intense aromas of tropical fruit, lemon zest, and fresh pear; infused with key lime, vanilla, and spice. The mouth is rich - filled with bright flavors of green apple, honey, fig, and nutmeg.

Merlot is harvested from five separate hillside locations throughout the Truchard Estate Vineyard. The wines from these hillsides each have their own identity, and each contributes different characteristics to the final blend. Cabernet Franc is added in to provide additional softness and complexity. The 2001 Merlot exhibits the typical Truchard style: aromas of blackberry, floral blueberry, and ripe plum, highlighted with cedar, violets, and subtle mint. The mouth is round and smooth-back cherry, plum, red currants, and sweet vanilla. Velvety tannins coat the palate, and provide a long spicy finish of dried red fruits.

Seven separate clonal selections of Pinot Noir grow on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. Each clone provides a unique element of fruit, spice, and texture to the final blend. The vines are planted in select sites that take full advantage of the thin soils, rolling hills, and cooler temperatures of the Carneros region. The 2002 Pinot Noir, has rich, smoky aromas of ripe plum and strawberry; highlighted with notes of tea, citrus blossom, and sweet vanilla. The mouth is broad and silky: layered with flavors of plum jam, cherry, cranberry, and toasted oak. Balanced acidity and delicate tannins focus these flavors into an earthy finish of spiced red fruits.

This not-so-well known white varietal of the Northern Rhone has been traditionally blended with Marsanne to make white Hermitage wines. It is a challenging grape in both the vineyard and winery. However, when done correctly, it can produce a delicious, aromatic wine with the structure and finesse to age. A delicate nose of lemon zest, pineapple, and honey; accented with honeysuckle and vanilla. The mouth is rich and creamy – with flavors of honeydew melon, green apple, and fresh pear.

There are 12 acres of Syrah planted on the Truchard Estate Vineyard. The vines grow in areas dominated by austere hillsides composed of volcanic rock and ash. The unique combination of soil, exposure, and cool temperatures produces a big, dark wine reminiscent of the Northern Rhone. The 2002 Syrah has aromas of cassis, ripe cherry, and white pepper; with hints of vanilla and tobacco. The mouth is layered with flavors of blackberry jam, plum, and red currants; with a touch of mineral and cracked black pepper. Round tannins provide an opulent finish of fruit and spice.

Tempranillo is the noble grape of Spain. It is the predominant varietal in the wines from the famous Rioja region. In 1998 two acres of Tempranillo were planted on an isolated knoll in the southern part of the Truchard Estate Vineyard. Tempranillo makes a unique, spicy wine, with deep purple color, lush texture, and firm acidity. It is a wonderful food wine. The 2001 Tempranillo has a complex nose of cherry, red currants, and plum; highlighted with tea and cedar. The mouth is rich: filled with ripe flavors of cassis, cranberry, and sweet vanilla. Chalky tannins focus the palate and give the wine a lingering finish of fruit and spice.

Truchard Vineyards produces the only Zin made entirely from Napa Carneros fruit. The vines grow on steep hillsides of volcanic rock and ash. The porous soils and cooler Carneros climate combine to make an exceptional wine, with unique flavors. The 2002 Zinfandel has a spicy nose of black cherry, boysenberry, and plum; perfumed with anise, cedar, and mint. The mouth is filled with bright, jammy flavors of cranberry, cherry, and cassis; followed by sweet vanilla. Ripe tannins and firm acidity focus the palate and provide a long peppery finish.