In the 1960s, when Jon and Janet Trefethen began planting their vineyards, the Napa Valley was still producing more prunes and walnuts than wine grapes. But when a Trefethen Chardonnay won “Best Chardonnay in the World” at the Gault Millau World Wine Olympics in France in 1979, they not only distinguished themselves but helped put Napa Valley on the map. Today, the well-drained soils and temperate climate of the Main Ranch in Oak Knoll continue to produce excellent fruit, while such techniques as barrel fermentation and low use of new oak produce a crisp and refreshing expression of Chardonnay. If you prefer elegant Chardonnay with more stone fruit and bright citrus than tropical fruit and butter, Trefethen is for you! Excellent balance of body and acidity (as well as moderate ABV of just 13.5%) make this Chardonnay an ideal food wine. Shellfish will compliment the brightness of this Chardonnay, but ingredients such as goat milk cheeses, tart apples and ripe pears will pair well, too.
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 | 2022 |
Color | White |
Varietal(s) | Chardonnay |
Closure | Cork |
Volume | 750ml |
Bottle Size | 8.3 x 29.5 |
Case Size | 36.0 x 27.5 x 30.5 |
Alcohol | 13.5% |
Product Code | TR22NCH |
UPC | 013024070010 |
MLF | 4% |
90 points – James Suckling.
Fresh aromas of green apple and stone fruit are layered with hints of gardenia. On the palate, zesty citrus flavors and notes of ginger lead to a classic light and bright finish.
55% of the wine was barrel fermented with 45% fermented in stainless steel; only 4% underwent malolactic fermentation. Aging consisted of 9 months in 10% new French oak