Currently, with the terrible fires in Northern California and the potential detriment on this year’s harvest, California’s wine industry will without a doubt feel some of the impact. Most people may not have the skills to fly out and help fight the fires, but we can assist by driving our consumer dollars to small family vineyards in the region. 

Flora Springs, founded in 1978 and named for the family matriarch, note on their website that “the depth of this history reminds us that as stewards of this land, our family’s commitment to its health and vitality will be felt far into the future.” Now the third generation has joined the ranks and the vineyard has installed solar panels and gone organic to continue to honor that commitment and stewardship. 

Trilogy, by Flora Springs is a proprietary blend or “Meritage” (rhymes with heritage, contrary to popular belief) which is made in a Bordeaux style and will contain at least two of the red grape varietals used there. The vineyard will create the blend each year using their best grapes, but will be a majority of cabernet sauvignon…this is Napa after all. 

In contrast to a Bordeaux, Trilogy will have silky tannins, big, bold dark fruits and does not necessarily need food pairings to enhance the palate. Notes of chocolate, espresso, licorice and vanilla will balance the jammy berry notes. The 2016 blend is cabernet sauvignon, malbec and petit verdot and will age extraordinarily well. 

Pairing Notes: This will be the perfect compliment to a steak or lamb chop, but I also love the decadence of drinking this along side a chocolate torte with fresh berries.