The Truchard Estate Vineyard is located in the Carneros region of the Napa Valley. It is 400 acres of hills and valleys which contain a variety of soils: clay, shale, sandstone, limestone, volcanic ash and rock. The combination of terrain, geology, and marine moderated temperatures, provides ideal conditions for wine-growing. Cabernet Sauvignon is planted in several different sites - on steep, southwestern facing hillsides. The vines range from 26 - 48 years old, and produce wines that are deep in color, dominated by lush flavors of plum, berry, and spice. Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and Malbec are blended in to provide additional softness, structure, and complexity.
A complex nose of boysenberry, raspberry, and cassis; with hints of cedar and vanilla. The mouth is layered with bright flavors of black cherry, red currants, and berry jam. Ripe tannins focus the palate and provide a lengthy finish of spice and red fruit.
Grapes: 89% Cabernet Sauvignon, 9% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, 1% Malbec
92 Decanter Aged for 20 months in French oak barrels (45% new), the final blend is 88% Cabernet Sauvignon, 10% Cabernet Franc, 1% Petit Verdot, and 1% Malbec. Fragrant cherry and raspberry fruit mingle with cherrywood and cinnamon spice. Medium-bodied on the palate, with intense, grippy tannins framed by crunchy Carneros acid tension. The finish is savoury, revealing green olive, sage, and more tannin that builds with serious intensity. The structure suggests excellent ageing potential, though the lack of overt ripe fruit indicates it may develop secondary characteristics more quickly—perhaps an advantage in an era when most wines are consumed too early. Drinking Window: 2025 - 2031
91 James Suckling Perfumed aromas of wild blackberries, violets and tobacco leaves. The palate is full-bodied with firm tannins and acidity, giving notes of blackcurrants, cedar and dried herbs. Needs time for the tannins to soften. Drinkable now, but best from 2028.
90 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate Truchard's 2022 Cabernet Sauvignon is the best I can recall from this reliable Carneros producer. Black cherries and cassis are joined by hints of vanilla and violets on the nose, while the medium-bodied palate is streamlined and smooth—a linear style with ample concentration and length, focused and fresh, with some slightly herbal notes on the finish.
