Flora Springs Trilogy 2003

The most elegant wine in the Flora Springs portfolio is their proprietary red called Trilogy, which has evolved from an equal part blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, to a current blend based on vintage conditions. It has always been the estateandrsquo;s interpretation of a St.-Emilion. Made in an elegant manner that can come across as too restrained and delicate, it is an interesting interpretation of a unique style of winemaking. The medium-bodied, dark ruby-tinged 2003 Trilogy (75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot and Cabernet Franc) exhibits scents of red currants, raspberries, and spice box. Although this Bordeaux-like red reveals austere tannin as well as a touch of leanness, it is an attractive wine to drink during its first 7andndash;8 years of life.

Supple, elegant and graceful, with a pleasing mix of earth, anise, currant and wild berry fruit thatandrsquo;s well-balanced and supported by firm, ripe tannins. Ends with a touch of mineral earthiness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2012.

Trilogy used to be made from three Bordeaux varieties; hence the name. The andrsquo;03 is all five, dominated by Cab Sauvignon. The wine is a little hard now, keeping itself aloof due to the tannins. Yet it has deep, blue and black fruit flavors and a Margaux-like elegance and harmony, and should develop quite well over the next 10 years.

The most elegant wine in the Flora Springs portfolio is their proprietary red called Trilogy, which has evolved from an equal part blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Cabernet Franc, to a current blend based on vintage conditions. It has always been the estate’s interpretation of a St.-Emilion. Made in an elegant manner that can come across as too restrained and delicate, it is an interesting interpretation of a unique style of winemaking. The medium-bodied, dark ruby-tinged 2003 Trilogy (75% Cabernet Sauvignon and 25% Merlot and Cabernet Franc) exhibits scents of red currants, raspberries, and spice box. Although this Bordeaux-like red reveals austere tannin as well as a touch of leanness, it is an attractive wine to drink during its first 7–8 years of life.

No one was more critical of Flora Springs' proprietary red wine, Trilogy, than I during the eighties. Things have unquestionably changed, as this wine, usually a blend of approximately 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Merlot, and the rest Cabernet Franc, has become a serious entry into the high quality proprietary red wine sweepstakes. It is aged in 50% new French oak, and since 1991 does not appear to have been processed. Consequently, it is far more lively, with a more natural texture, greater aromatics, and a creamier, more pleasing flavor profile. The 1991 Trilogy offers a cassis, smoky, blackcurrant-scented nose, elegant, soft, medium-bodied flavors, moderate tannin, and a complex, cedary, black fruit profile. Drink it over the next 10-12 years.

Trilogy used to be made from three Bordeaux varieties; hence the name. The ’03 is all five, dominated by Cab Sauvignon. The wine is a little hard now, keeping itself aloof due to the tannins. Yet it has deep, blue and black fruit flavors and a Margaux-like elegance and harmony, and should develop quite well over the next 10 years.

Supple, elegant and graceful, with a pleasing mix of earth, anise, currant and wild berry fruit that’s well-balanced and supported by firm, ripe tannins. Ends with a touch of mineral earthiness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec and Petit Verdot. Drink now through 2012.