Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/711666
Geology and Soils At Trione Winery, Soltysiak draws upon his fascination with geology to give a condensed lesson in the soils of Alexander Valley. Greywacke, sandstone, chert, volcanic ash, alluvial, gravel streaks, clay—quite the diversity for one area. He also pointed out the need to avoid the toxic serpentinite, California's state rock, as it is too high in magnesium to permit quality grape growing. It finally made sense to us why some seemingly beautiful hillsides are not planted. Nate Weis, Winemaker for Silver Oak Cellars, and Scott Covington, Winemaker for Trione Vineyard and Winery, joined the panel this time with Rodney Strong Vineyards Winemaker Greg Morthole adding insight to the discussion. Silver Oak 2011 begins the tasting with the signature American oak touch. With the cooler vintage, it is the first time the wine is not 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, but Weis insisted, "We're not afraid to let Cabernet be Cabernet. We noticed that herbaceous - ness translates to freshness five years later." Next, Alexander Valley Vineyards 2012 Estate Cab exhibits black cherries and strawberry jam with a mocha middle, chewy tannins and a flintiness in the finish; Hawkes 2012 Red Winery Vineyard offers up graphite and chocolate with lush purple fruit, tobacco and gripping tannins; Trione Vineyards and Winery 2012 Block Twenty-One has a heady aroma of florals and herbs and the palate shows red pepper, cherry cedar, grilled meat and gritty, spiced tannins; Robert Young Estate Winery 2012 Big Rock Block awaits oak integration with its dark fruit, espresso, rustic frame and dried blue flowers on the finish; Rodney Strong Vineyards 2012 Brothers unveils violets, scents of cherry tobacco, plums and cocoa powder with bright acidity. "When you pick a great site, the aromatics shine on their own," smiled Morthole. A close-up of Greywacke rocks. Leading the discussions on what's going on in the ground are Stefen Soltysiak; Nate Weis, Winemaker for Silver Oak Cellars; Fred Dame, MS; Scott Covington, Winemaker for Trione Vineyard & Winery; and Greg Morthole, Winemaker for Rodney Strong Vineyards. { SOMMjournal.com } 75