As the first 2009 wines from California start to appear on the market, it is becoming clear that this was a pretty special vintage in California. It may be too early to tell for some of the later ripening varieties like Cab and Syrah, but for Pinot and Chardonnay 2009 looks to be stellar. So we were very excited to get our hands on an allocation of Trinitas Cellars’ 2009 Carneros Chardonnay. Just to clear up any confusion, we did offer Trinitas’ 2009 Proprietor’s Reserve Chard a few months ago, but this is a different version of their Carneros Chardonnay, and it will really please fans of big, bold California Chards.
The 2009 Trinitas Cellars Carneros Chardonnay is pale straw in color. The nose shows aromas of lemon, ginger, and oak, opening to reveal apple and poached pear. The palate is classic California Chardonnay, with apple, lemon, and plenty of toasty, smoky oak. This is rich and fleshy, coating the palate and showing a long, round finish without any hard edges. All these big, powerful flavors scream out for a rich food paring like pasta with cream sauce, lobster with butter, or even just creamy Brie cheese. Put this one on your Christmas shopping list for any fan of California Chardonnay!
Appellation: Carneros, Napa Valley
Varietal: 100% Chardonnay
Acidity: 0.68g
pH: 3.66
Alcohol: 14.4%
Aging: 100% new American Oak for 9 months, Cold Barrel Rermented at 46-48°F;
sur lie aged, 100% malolactic fermentation.
97 Points
Aromas of blackberries, graphite, and crushed rock, along with cedar, tobacco leaf, cassis, and a medley of dry herbs and spice.
A substantial mouthfeel, full-bodied structure, firm tannins gracefully interweave, establishing a flawless equilibrium of acidity and pleasing fruit. Well-balanced acidity collaborate harmoniously to accentuate the intricate flavors of berry compote, spices, and oak nuances reminiscent of mocha.
Gold Medal
Generously packed with black cherry, cola, cassis, and plum that all intermingle together in a creamy, velvety texture with great layering, finishing with delightful notes of oak and spice. Persistent, well-defined structure, wonderfully balanced.
95 Points
This stellar Napa Valley Red Blend marries lush plum and cherry with Malbec's dark berry depth and Petit Verdot's structure and spice. Layered with notes of blackberry, violet, and cocoa, this silky wine finishes with smooth tannins and a whisper of toasted oak. Robust and mouth-filling, with spicy nuances, smooth tannins, firm structure, and a long lingering finish.
92 Points
Deep floral notes (violets), blackberry, black cherry, and cassis. Driven by the mountain's steep, cool-climate terroir, it balances rich notes of blackberry and pomegranate seamlessly intertwined with dark plum, cocoa dust, and roasted mocha, hints of roasted mocha and spice undertones add depth to its complex profile, culminating in a bold, yet elegant finish.
93 Points
A beautiful garnet color in the glass. Aromas of pomegranate, vibrant cranberry, candied strawberry, gravel, and rose perfume lead to a palate of cinnamon, clove, tea leaf, bing cherry, a touch of earth, and an opulent, fleshy texture.
Gold Medal
Light pink in color with aromas of watermelon, cranberry, orange rind, and fresh spring flowers that leap from the glass. The palate offers more peach, strawberry, and melon, with an intriguing note of rose and hibiscus. It's crisp with just the perfect hint of red fruit, and delicate whisper of strawberry that gives goosebumps.
94 Points
Aromas of candied apple, lemon peel, and toasted marcona almond. The palate is rich yet finely balanced, offering a creamy texture lifted by bright acidity. Delicate and composed, it finishes with a gentle mineral snap and lingering citrus.
97 Points
Rich dark fruit flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of baking spices, licorice, coffee, and chocolate that interlace seamlessly with complexity, creating a wine that is both structured and delightfully supple, achieving an ideal balance of tension and grace. Artfully composed of 83% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Cabernet Franc, resulting in harmonious depth and freshness.
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