2011 Alienor Le Troubadour

Community Tasting Notes (3) Avg Score: 89.4 points

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  7/9/2023 - classicalspin Likes this wine: 89 Points

  Not at all what I was expecting, with a Merlot dominated CA wine. It's good, nice length, and bright ripe berry fruits. Light on its feet and refreshing. This is an '11. Why the late release? Perhaps the vintners were reaching for something more, and hoping the bright tones of the Cab Franc and a light, bright Syrah would gestate something darker and more structured? Well, you've ended up with a nice, juicy summer wine with some length. Drink now and enjoy without regret. It's still fresh.
  
  From the winery:
  
  By Alienor Cellars
  2011 'Le Troubadour'
  
  Vineyard Notes
  All our Alienor 'Le Troubadour' grapes are from Kelseyville. The Merlot clone 181, planted in 1993, is from Rooster Vineyard, planted on well-drained clay loam. The Cabernet Franc clone 312 and suitcase selection from Bordeaux were planted in 1999 on gravelly loam resolved from sedimentation along the bench of Kelsey Creek. The Syrah grapes are from the Castelero Vineyard in Kelseyville, a vineyard along the old riverbed of Kelsey Creek, about one mile north of the town of Kelseyville. The Syrah was planted in 2000 with another suitcase selection, sitting on the eastern shoulder (right bank) of Kelsey Creek. The soils are an eclectic mix of gravel, sand, and silt washed down from the surrounding hills and mountains that comprise the northern portion of the Mayacamas Range. At an altitude of approximately 1,360 feet, the vineyards lie about two miles south of Clear Lake and about one mile west of Mt. Konocti, a dormant volcano that towers above the entire region.
  
  Tasting Notes
  The 2011 Alienor 'Le Troubadour' has a dark, ruby color that is highlighted with a blue hue. In the glass, it smells like summer, with sandy minerality and lush blueberries, dark cherries, and spice. It is an expressive wine to be enjoyed anytime, simple yet elegant with soft tannins and a nice round mouth feel with aromas of licorice, hints of coffee, and Provencal herbs. 'Le Troubadour' shows well-balanced curves and a medium body with a long, silky finish.
  
  Technical Details
  Blend: 41% Merlot, 32% Syrah, 27% Cabernet Franc
  Harvest: October 20th and 22nd
  Aging: In 65% new French oak barrels
  Alcohol: 13.40%
  [Information provided by Matador Vino]

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  1/20/2023 - Ranjan wrote: 92 Points

  Old world nose, graphite. Needs some decanting, but tasty

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  6/7/2018 - DrNorm Likes this wine: 90 Points

  Earthy, with moderate fruit. Better when opened for a while.

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