AFV and Trothe Wine

On Tuesday, May 4th, I had the opportunity to tour Andrews Family Vineyards (AFV) and taste Trothe Wine, for the first time.  The story you’re about to read, underpins the very reason why I love Washington wines and the people behind the wines, so much!  I recently came across an Instagram post about Trothe Wine and the Horse Heaven Hills.  A high-end, new start wine offering.  A single Cabernet Sauvignon.  So close to home!  My insatiable curiosity for new Washington wines compelled me to learn more.  So I eventually sent an email to Trothe.com asking how I might arrange to taste their wine.  Shortly thereafter, Jeff, Ray and Todd had arranged to host me for a visit – and were unknowingly about to change my life!  Located on the farthest southerly fringes of Prosser, in the heart of the Horse Heaven Hills is where it begins.

The People

The foundation of Trothe Wines is based on a family partnership.  Mike Andrews and his two sons, Macauley (IT Manager) and Jeff (Business Manager) have teamed up with Raymon McKee and Justin Michaud.  Ray is the Head Winemaker and Justin is the Assistant Winemaker for Trothe.  I’ve known Justin for a while and have really enjoyed his wines at Coyote Canyon Winery, but I had never met Ray.  Ray is the Winemaker/Enologist/Owner of Washington Wine Consultants.  In addition, the Andrews family recently recruited Todd Chapman to manage the vineyards.  On this day, I would spend nearly 2 hours with Jeff, Ray and Todd, discussing everything wine!  Finally, let me not forget Chester – the winery pup.  What a cutie.

Our discussion covered everything from industry people they admired, to Ray’s wine making philosophy.  We even chatted about the science aspects of vineyard management and wine monitoring.  The single most important message I heard was: “It’s all about the fruit”.  They are truly humble people.  And it became evident that they are not crafting world class wines for fame or accolades.  Their hearts lie with the potential and quality of Washington wine.  What really resonated with me was how they helped me appreciate the impact of their specific roles.  They openly conveyed their vision for creating their new 1^st vintage Trothe wine.  More importantly was their passion and their desire to collectively create the best wine from the best fruit in Washington.  Their energy was really contagious.  It was easy to see – they are a team, and they have a mission.

The Mission of Trothe Wine

The Andrews family has been in the wine industry for decades.  Ray personifies wine, and has crafted quite a few over his career.  Todd’s history of managing vineyards speaks for itself.  They are genuinely very excited about this new start.  And by the time I left AFV, I too was 100% convinced.  The mission for Trothe Wines is simple:  To create the finest wine from the finest fruit.  Without ever stating it, these men persuaded me to believe.  They quickly turned me into a follower.  A groupie.  Call it what you will.

All the required elements are at their fingertips to reach their goal.  The best fruit, knowledge, skills, years of experience and the tools to create world class wine.  Almost anybody can make wine.  But when you’re striving for perfection, it all must come together.  Right out of the gate, things are coming together really nicely.  They are starting off with a small quantity of wine for their first vintage.  Only 5 barrels of the 2018 Trothe Cabernet Sauvignon have been bottled.  They want to continue with a Cabernet Sauvignon offering in the coming years.  However, they are thinking about adding a 2^nd varietal wine next year and increasing production by a few barrels.  Small quantity, but immense quality.

The Vineyards

As Aaron’s Wine Chronicles made the drive to AFV, a number of thoughts came to mind.  But overwhelmingly, it was the sheer beauty and expansiveness of the land that stood out.  The Horse Heaven Hills AVA truly is “God’s Country”.  The Andrews Family owns and manages over 1300 acres of vineyards that produce nearly 30 varietals for wine production.  For Trothe, they hand select the grapes from the crème de la crème of specific locales within the vineyard.  Ray was adamant about crafting a wine that reflected the fruit and the unique terroir of the Horse Heaven Hills AVA.  And boy did he hit the mark.

The Wine

We initially met in the conference room of the AFV main office building.  I briefly gravitated to the large TV monitor on the wall.  It provided real-time vineyard monitoring information.  Vineyard maps showed important data including temperature, humidity, wind and more.  As a wine lover, I appreciated the need for this.  As a sensor physicist, I wanted to know what more could be measured to better inform the Team.  Meanwhile, Ray cracked open a bottle of the 2018 1^st vintage Cab Sauv and decanted it.  Before we tasted the wine, we toured the vineyards.  Jumping in Jeff’s truck, we took in some breathtaking views of the Horse Heaven Hills finest vineyards.  I learned about the history, the vineyards, and folks who have influenced the Team.  I also learned more about the Trothe vision.  If it hasn’t happened already, it’s time for the world to take Washington wine seriously.  Very seriously.

As expected, when we started tasting the wine, I was not surprised.  The color was beautiful and the aromatics were fragrant and not overly oaky.  The fruit spoke to me.  While young in age, this wine exhibits layers of flavor across my palate.  The mouthfeel is lush and silky, with fine grained tannins.  To me, the flavor profile was complex but very nicely balanced.  This Cab is definitely more evolved than its bottle age.  Barrel aged 22+ months in French Oak, this Clone 8 Cab will age gracefully for many years to come in my cellar.

The Finale

My conclusion?  Trothe wine is exquisite!  I’m still processing what I learned from Jeff, Ray and Todd.  My wine education never stops.  I am truly indebted to these gentlemen for their generosity, time and attention during my visit.  It is difficult to thank them enough for their hospitality.  I could never have imagined a tour and participating in conversations of such depth for nearly 2 hours!  I’m excited for the release of their 1st vintage wine.  And even more so for the future of Trothe.  As they home in on perfection.  As I was leaving the facility Jeff ensured that I take a parting gift.  Thanks for the Trothe cap, and thanks again for the awesome wine experience!  Cheers from AWC!