Trilogy is Flora Springs’ flagship wine, one that dates back to 1984 when our family decided to make the finest wine possible by selecting the highest quality wine lots culled from our estate vineyards in Napa Valley. Back then it was one of Napa Valley’s first proprietary red blends, and today this Bordeaux-style wine continues to be sourced from our own Komes-Garvey estate vineyards. In 2017 this iconic wine brings together Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec grown in Oakville, Rutherford and St. Helena. The Cabernet Sauvignon dominates at 80% of the blend, yielding a deep purple-black wine that offers warm notes of black plum, black cherry and cassis layered with mocha, hints of tobacco, cola and wild herbs. The flavors are mouth coating and generous, but the wine retains a freshness due to lovely acidity and sleek tannins. The mix of French and American oak adds spice and notes of vanilla crème that linger on a satisfying finish. This is a beautiful Napa Cab, ideal with a NY strip steak or other favorite cut. Eggplant parmesan would also make a nice match, as would a slow-braised lamb or beef dish.

2017 began with winter rain, and lots of it, enough to fill reservoirs, replenish groundwater and bring a five year drought in California to an end. Our spring weather was mild, and due to the abundance of water the vines experienced vigorous growth. We were vigilant about canopy management, going through our vineyards and removing excess leaves to ensure the developing grapes had adequate sunlight and air flow.  With just a few summer heat spikes, it first appeared that harvest would proceed at a normal pace, but a heat wave over Labor Day weekend hastened picking during the first two weeks of September. Cooler temperatures arrived in mid-September, giving our red fruit extra time on the vine. Overall though, harvest was early in 2017; the last of Flora Springs’ grapes were harvested on Saturday, October 7.

93 Points James Suckling – A soft and fruity red with currants, chocolate and hints of toasted oak. Medium to full body. Round tannins and a flavorful finish. Nicely done for the vintage. 80% cabernet sauvignon, 17% petit verdot and 3% malbec. Drink or hold.

91 Points Jeb Dunnuck – The 2017 Red Blend Trilogy checks in as a blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 17% Petit Verdot, and 3% Malbec. It’s a pretty, elegant wine from this estate and has lots of beautiful black and blue fruits, roasted herbs, chocolate, and gravelly earth-like aromas and flavors. These all carry to a medium to full-bodied blend that has terrific balance, nicely integrated acidity, and a great finish.

91 Points Wine Spectator  – “Ripe and open in feel, with lots of anise-infused blackberry and plum fruit backed by sweet spice and roasted apple wood flavors. Shows a slightly toothy edge through the finish, but the fruit has its pluses. Cabernet Sauvignon, Petit Verdot and Malbec. Best from 2021 through 2029.”

90 Points Wine Enthusiast – “This is made from 80% Cabernet Sauvignon with 17% Petit Verdot and 3% Malbec blended in, making for a soft, approachable and richly layered expression of full-bodied ripeness and dark, dense black fruit. Dust, clove and leather accent and complement.”