2014 Trefethen Dragon's Tooth

Estate: Trefethen Family Vineyards
Region: Oak Knoll District, Napa Valley, California, United States of America
Vineyards: Main Ranch


Tasting Note:March 22, 2017

Deep garnet red. Layered nose with dark cocoa, tobacco leaves, pepper, burnt twigs, blackberries and some darker fruits underneath. Moderate tannins (6+) with a full body. Palate is coated with dark cocoa, plums, cocoa leaves, vanilla, and hints of expresso too. Balanced acidity and well rounded. No minerality in the finish. Long and dry finish with black pepper.


The Dragon's Tooth is one of the five reserve bottlings made by Trefethen Family Vineyards. This bottling has a beautiful label with a red dragon on the front. This is from an old British legend about a white and red dragon fighting in the sky. The red dragon succeeded in pushing the white dragon back off into the sea. This foretold of the tale of King Arthur leading the Welsh in fighting off the invading Saxons. Additionally, I found out that the 'First Lady' of Trefethen Family Vineyards, Catherine Trefethen, is Welsh and an inspiration for the continuation of this Family Estate.

The 2014 vintage is a Bordeaux-blend made up of 45% Malbec, 35% Petit Verdot and 20% Cabernet Sauvignon. Aged for 21 months in a mix of 66% French oak, 22% American oak and 12% Hungarian oak.

Drink Dates:

2017 till 2025.

Rating:

90 points.

Price Point:

$$ - Retail price is around $49.00.