2013 Trespass Vineyard Rendezvous – A Wine Worth the Wait!
The Winery
Trespass Vineyard is in St Helena at the base of Spring Mountain and owned by Don and Dana Gallagher. They have meticulously worked their 5 acre vineyard to produce some of the most exquisite wines. Well known winemaker Kirk Venge, along with Don & Dana Gallagher, collaborate in the winemaking process Currently they produce Zinfandel, Rendezvous (blend), Cabernet Franc, Cabernet Sauvignon and Mayhem (blend). Most recently they have added from a Russian River vineyard, Pinot Noir under the label Encroachment. The Rendezvous blend was a 62% Cabernet Sauvignon and 38% Cabernet Franc but changed to a 50/50 more recently. Their Mayhem has 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 25% Cabernet Franc and 25% Merlot. In my opinion, they are in the top twenty-five wineries making Cabernet Franc and Cabernet Sauvignon in Napa Valley. When blended, they achieve high accolades for their wines. For the last eight years, one if not two or three make my Annual List of Best Wines Tasted for the year.
As an aside to the wine itself, two items have always caught my attention. First it is the label which is a beautiful water color of the vineyard at the base of Spring Mountain in Saint Helena. The second item is the statement on the back of the bottle which reads “Now and again one comes across a place so extraordinary it captures the imagination, yet you are not allowed to enter. We invite you to TRESPASS”. A very nice play on the wording with the picture on the front of the bottle.
The Wine – 2013 Trespass Vineyard Rendezvous
Photo ©Michael Kelly
As mentioned with 68% Cabernet Sauvignon and 32% Cabernet Franc, this wine has evolved nicely over time. Pulled out of the cellar to taste after 10 years, this wine stood out not only one of the Best Wines tasted during the year, but perhaps of the last 10 years! On the eyes a very dark and intriguing blackish coloring and medium-heavy viscosity in the glass. On the nose, wildly enticing aromas of clove and black fruit rushed to the senses. On the palate, black & red cherries, combine with a sensual blueberry. Secondary flavors of licorice, dried herbs and counterbalanced with alluring vanilla made this a full body wine. Dana has stated “it is an array of Christmas spices”. On the finish, it is long lasting with edgy and embracing tannins even after 10 years. Only 125 cases were produced and aged 22 months in 100% new French oak barrels. Bottled unfiltered and unrefined. Today’s price, if available is around $140/bottle. Their currently release is the 2019 and is listed at $150/bottle. Yet by all accounts well worth it for that special meal to enjoy with good friends.
Without really having to state it but I will, the wine made my Annual Best Wines Tasted in the Year for 2023, which comes out in December each year.
Sláinte,
Michael
https://californiawinesandwineries.com
https://trespassvineyard.com