Trothe will release its 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon, the winery‘s second vintage, on Sept. 9. But we are very fortunate to receive a sneak peek. In a word, this wine is magnificent. It has the WOW factor. The key players in Trothe explain that the 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is stunning because the harvest yielded grapes with luxuriously elegant tannins, ripe flavors and vibrant acidity. We couldn’t agree more. Read on for details about the wine, their story and Horse Heaven Hills AVA.

The Trothe Story

Trothe produces a limited amount of Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced exclusively from Andrews Family Vineyards in Horse Heaven Hills AVA. The Andrews family has owned and operated the vineyards since 1994, on land their family has farmed for generations. Subsequently, Jani and Jeff Andrews started the Trothe project nearly five years ago, joined by acclaimed winemaker Ray McKee and later, vineyards manager Todd Chapman.

(Fun fact: Horse Heaven Hills accounts for nearly a third of vine acreage in Washington State.)

Located across 1,300 acres in the northwest corner of the AVA, the Andrews Family Vineyards’ elevation ranges from 900 to 1,400 feet. Todd says the rugged landscape compares to wine regions in Australia and South Africa. But the average temperature and latitude align more closely to Bordeaux. However, “our day-to-night temperature shift is much bigger than theirs. That shift gives Horse Heaven Hills wine its trademark acidity and freshness.”

Over the years, Wine Spectator named nine wines with fruit from Andrews Family Vineyards in its Top 100 wines list. This includes Washington’s only Wine Spectator “Number One Wine in the World.” The Trothe team says they have respect for the land, confidence in their vision, and uncompromising care in every detail.

Most importantly, Trothe wines are world-class. As a result, they are priced accordingly at $190. When asked about the high price point, Jeff Andrews told Robb Report: “We feel that wines from Washington are extraordinary in quality, and they need to be priced according to those at the same table in the world.”

Moreover, you can only access their exclusive allocations by signing up for their Members List.

2019 Cabernet Sauvignon

Trothe 2019 Cabernet Sauvignon is magic, magnificent, opulent and stunning. This Cab Sauv is topped with 4% Merlot, and is dense, intense, rich and elegant. Yes, it is young, so we decanted for four hours before tasting it. The brooding, luxurious wine opens with aromas of dark cherries, raspberries, dark chocolate and vanilla. Next, it features bold, concentrated, textured flavors of dark fruit, structure, balance and complexity. This wine is brimming with potential. In other words, if it tastes this amazing now, we can imagine the flavors once it has matured in the cellar.

Winemaker Ray McKee explains that the velvety tannins are expressive of a riper vintage, which makes the wine approachable now – especially when paired with heartier fare. (We served it with BBQ steaks, which was perfect.) He predicts the Cab will continue to develop over the next 8-10 years to unveil even greater complexity while maintaining its freshness.

The 2019 is the second Trothe Cabernet Sauvignon. Jeff Andrews says, “It was also the first harvest that we implemented our state-of-the-art optical sorter, ensuring only the finest, Cabernet Sauvignon fruit entered the Trothe winery.”

2018 Cabernet Sauvignon

Trothe’s 2018 100% Cabernet Sauvignon inaugural release generated critical acclaim, described as exquisite, impressive and remarkable. For example, Robb Report declared: “This new Washington Cabernet shows the state can compete with the world’s best wines.” This beauty offers aromatics of red and black fruit, spices and herbs, leading into rich, plush flavors of more dark fruit and classic Horse Heaven Hills minerality.

Summary: Trothe

In conclusion, Trothe wines stand out with every sip. In addition, the team believes it is essential to balance tradition with innovation “to ensure this land will be here for the generations that follow us.”

Are you are a collector of age-worthy, world-class wines or looking for a lush bottle of Cabernet Sauvignon for that special occasion? If so, sign up for their Members List to receive an allocation.

Thank you, Trothe and O’Donnell Lane, for the samples.

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Cheers!
Margot and Dave