I like a good Bordeaux-style blend. I repeat, I like a good Bordeaux-style blend—the nuances of which are hard to master because, let’s face it, we’re not in Bordeaux. But I have to say that Flora Springs is consistently a reliable source for the California expression of this style with the production of their Trilogy red blend. So, let’s take a look at the 2015 vintage, shall we?
About the Wine: Flora Springs 2015 Trilogy, Bordeaux-style red blend
82% Cabernet Sauvignon; 10% Malbec; 8% Petit Verdot sourced from the Flora Springs estate vineyards, Komes Ranch, in St. Helena and Rutherford
14.2% ABV
5,400 cases produced
Flavor Profile:
Appearance: This Bordeaux-style blend is a deep ruby, impenetrable from every angle, with just a soft rouge-like hue around the outer-most perimeter.
Aroma: The Flora Springs 2015 Trilogy has pronounced, developing aromas of black cherrry, plack plum, bramble, boysenberry, rhubarb—as well as cooked, jammy notes of each of these fruits. Additional aromas include toast, smoke, a hint of meat or game, anise, and just a hint of leather.
Palate: The palate is dry with high acid, high alcohol, medium (+) tannins, medium (+) body, and a pronounced flavor intensity. Flavors are in keeping with the aromatics listed above with the addition of cacao, eucalyptus, and an even more pronounced hint of leather.
The finish is of medium (+) length.
Conclusion: Based on the WSET criteria, I concluded that this is a very good withe the potential for further aging. This wine is absolutely enjoyable now (especially with the proper food pairing—see below), but is also clearly still developing: the alcohol, though only 14.2% is still a bit pronounced; the tannins, though soft, are not yet smooth. I can tell that, even with just a few extra years of age, the fruits will become more voluptuous, the tannins even more incorporated, and the perceived alcohol less intense.
Food Pairing: I paired the The Flora Springs 2015 Trilogy with a grilled filet mignon (medium-rare) served with roasted veggies (heirloom potatoes, brussel sprouts, mushrooms) that were sprinkled with a bit of aged parmesan. Perfect pairing, as the steak was grilled to perfection, melting like butter in the mouth, which aided in softening the tannins on the palate even further. The seasoning on the roasted veggies (which included garlic and herbs de Provence) elegantly lifted the more herbaceous and earthy notes in the wine. And the saltiness of the addition of the cheese (as well as saltiness found in the outer crust of the steak) did well to balance out the acidity in the wine. If you’re drinking this wine now, this is the perfect pairing. Cheers to Flora Springs for another fantastic vintage of Trilogy. See the review of the Flora Springs 2014 Trilogy red blend.
More Info: I received the Flora Springs 2015 Trilogy as a sample for review (Cheers!). Suggested Retail: $85. For more information about Flora Springs, their wine, and to purchase wine directly, please visit the Flora Springs website.
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