Eshcol (pronounced “esh-kol”) is a juicy Bordeaux blend that’s ready on release and easy to enjoy anytime a tasty red is desired. Sourced from the younger blocks on the Trefethen’s Main Ranch, Eshcol was the original name of the estate, way back in the 1800s when it helped establish the Napa Valley’s reputation for fine wine. The label is mandala-like in its complexity; a long stare will gradually reveal hidden items the Trefethens regard as key to sustainable viticulture and winemaking - butterflies, bats, bees, and barn owls among them. The blend changes somewhat each year. In 2021, it consists of 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec, 12% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, and 2% Cabernet Franc. Eshcol is smooth and easy on the palate, with plenty of bright cherry and blackberry notes, hints of spice, and modest tannins.
A family-owned producer of distinguished estate wines for over 50 years, Trefethen Family Vineyards has always been guided by a unique dedication to sustainable farming, thoughtful winemaking and gracious hospitality. The majority of Trefethen’s nearly 600 acres are found on the Main Ranch Vineyard, located in Oak Knoll – about midway between Yountville and Napa – a cooler district in the southern half of the Napa Valley. The other property is the Hillspring Vineyard, on the low foothills of the mountains just to west of Oak Knoll. Trefethen produces mainly Chardonnay, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot and Riesling. However, it farms a total of nine grape varieties, the others being Malbec, Petite Verdot, Cabernet Franc, Viognier and Pinot Noir. (The other varieties are either used for blending, released in special bottlings or sold to other wineries).
Eugene Trefethen, an engineering company executive, purchased the historic, but run-down property in 1968 as a post-retirement hobby. When his son, John, suggested replanting the vineyards and founding an estate winery, the idea was considered foolhardy at best. Back then, the Napa Valley was an isolated community with more prune and walnut orchards than vineyards, and only 20 wineries were in existence. But the estate happened to feature a standing winery building from an earlier era, which added credence to the idea that wine would be both history and future. As it turned out, John and his wife, Janet, caught the new Napa winemaking wave, and their energy propelled Trefethen Family Vineyards into becoming one of the top new wineries of the 1970s. Indeed, in 1979 the 1976 Trefethen Chardonnay was declared “The Best Chardonnay in the World” at the Gault Millau Wine Olympics held in Paris.
Since the mid-2000s, the third generation of Trefethens, John and Janet’s children, Hailey and Lorenzo, have taken charge. 50 years has given this family an intimate understanding of their vineyards, from the soils and microclimates of the various blocks to the varietals, the clones and the rootstock. With this knowledge, they can continue to create new blends and reserve wines made from superior blocks of the very best vines and build on a legacy of estate grown wines of remarkable quality and integrity.
Country | USA |
Region | California |
Appellation(s) | Napa Valley |
Sub-Ava | Oak Knoll District |
Winery | Trefethen |
Vintage | 2021 |
Color | Red |
Varietal(s) | 51% Cabernet Sauvignon, 23% Malbec,12% Merlot, 12% Petit Verdot, 2% Cabernet Franc |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750ml |
Bottle Size | 7.5 x 30.0 |
Case Size | 31.0 x 24.0 x 31.0 |
Alcohol | 13.9% |
Product Code | TR21ENR |
UPC | 013024270410 |
Bright cherry and blackberry aromas are layered with hints of leather and licorice. The palate offers black fruit and brighter notes of black pepper, leading to a balanced and smooth finish.
Aged 14 months in French and American oak, 10% new.