These two Trothe spring releases demonstrate why this Washington state winery is synonymous with finesse, precision, and sophistication in luxury wines. From the incredible 2022 vintage, Trothe Black Label Sauvignon Blanc and Syrah are both exquisite showstoppers. World stage, here they come. During Taste Washington, we caught up over dinner with Jeff Andrews, innovative managing partner of the winery and Andrews Family Vineyards; acclaimed winemaker Ray McKee; extraordinary vineyards manager Todd Chapman; and Ian Sellereite, enologist. In 2021, we named them the “dream team” and these two wines underline why. Both wines sold out quickly. However, Trothe just announced that a limited public release might happen later this year. Also, consider joining Trothe’s list in time for the September allocations of 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon and Trothe Limited.
Trothe and Andrews Family Vineyards
First, it starts with the land. Jeff Andrews is a fourth-generation farmer. His family has owned and operated 1,300 acres of vineyards since 1994, on land their family has farmed for generations on the Horse Heaven Hills. That is to say, his great-grandfather George Smith broke more than 100,000 acres of very dry land from sagebrush, completing it in 1941.
More recently, Jeff and his wife Jani launched Trothe seven years ago. Not surprisingly, they source Trothe releases exclusively from Andrews Family Vineyards. Since the initial releases, the team quickly reached their goal of making world-class wine that puts the Horse Heaven Hills AVA on the map as one of the world’s best wine-growing regions.
In 2021, the team refined their winemaking even further in their new facilities, featuring state-of-the-art equipment. Jeff told us that their focus is precision agriculture and precision winemaking. “A meticulous level of detail and thought goes into every process at Trothe.”
Trothe Spring Releases: 2022 Black Label Sauvignon Blanc
This is the first time Trothe has crafted a Black Label barrel-fermented and aged Sauvignon Blanc. At dinner, Ray told us this is the Sauv Blanc he has always wanted to make. It is stunning — tangy, tart and textured, with aromas and flavors of lemon, grapefruit and peaches, in addition to beautiful acidity, breathtaking minerality and a hint of salinity. He also said the grapes had an extended cold soak for enhanced skin contact, followed by extended lees aging and ample bâtonnage. As a result, the process gives this spectacular white wine that richly textured profile. Open this milestone Sauvignon Blanc now with decanting. Or cellar it for a few years, so it can evolve in the bottle.
2022 Syrah
Co-fermented with 3% Viognier and aged in Italian concrete, Trothe 2022 Syrah is fresh and aromatic, meaty and briny, yet at the same time, silky. In a word, Trothe 2022 Syrah is bewitching. Aromas of dark berries, plums, umami, black pepper, olives and mushrooms echo on the vibrant palate, along with stony, classic Horse Heaven Hills minerality. This is more like an old-world Syrah, reflecting how Jeff and Ray worked closely with renowned French winemakers Philippe Cambie and Michel Gassier. (Ray has been called a protégé of Cambie, a Rhône legend.) Similar to the Sauvignon Blanc, this Syrah is can be enjoyed now with decanting, or cellar it. It’s magical now, and I can only imagine how incredible this wine will taste after 6-8 years.
Summary: Trothe Spring Releases
In conclusion, these two Trothe releases follow widespread acclaim for each and every Trothe wine in the last few years. They are spectacular and exceptional.
Thank you so much, Trothe, for sharing these captivating wines.
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Cheers!
Margot and Dave