Tremendous Trefethen Two terrifyingly good 2009 Trefethen wines are making their Sun Valley debut right here, right now: a rare Double Magnum of 2009 Harmony Chardonnay and a Double Magnum of 2009 Dragon’s Tooth. The year 2009 was an excellent, even-keeled vintage in Napa Valley, where consistently mild weather throughout the growing and harvest seasons resulted in stress-free vines, long grape hang times, and fruit with finely developed flavors at lower-than-normal sugar levels. Ten years in the making, the small production wines offered tonight are the product of this great year, special vineyard blocks, innovative clonal selection and top-notch winemaking. Taste them for yourself: the synthesis is amazing. Dragon’s Tooth is a Malbec blend from a section of vineyards filled with flakes of obsidian that resemble the toothy smile of the red dragon, guardian and symbol of winery “First Lady” Catherine Trefethen’s ancestral home of Wales. Catherine’s love for wine, gardens and family was the inspiration for the estate in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District, and her presence and inspiration are still felt, especially in the cool foggy mornings when mist envelops the vineyard. This third vintage of Dragon’s Tooth is deep purple in color with aromas of black currant, blackberry and cinnamon. The palate is full of plum, cherry and chocolate flavors. This voluminous wine finishes with balanced, structured tannins that emphasize the rich fresh fruit and hints of spice. It pairs beautifully with red meat and stands up well to spicy Mexican, Cajun or Italian dishes. The Harmony Chardonnay grapes grow in a special section of the Trefethen estate known as Katie’s Acre. A tribute to Catherine Trefethen’s favorite 200-year-old walnut tree—the centerpiece of the special Chardonnay block—this vineyard was replanted in 2005 with fantastic results. Pineapple, peach and stone fruit, just like a classic fruit cocktail, take center stage in the flavor profile of the limited production 2009 Harmony vintage. The wine is bright and spicy on the palate with lingering aromas of cut apple, gardenia and tarragon. It remains lush, bright and dense without being buttery. Both wines represent the best from a world-class winery and symbolize three generations of a family’s passionate quest to create the best possible Napa Valley wines while sustaining the earth and encouraging others to do the same. During the past three decades, Trefethen Family Vineyards wines have amassed a cornucopia of major awards and accolades. These two Double Magnums are great examples of why.
24 live lots
Opening Bid $1,000 Includes Two 3-Liter Bottles Donor The Trefethen Family, Proprietors Trefethen Family Vineyards Napa, California