USA — wine

Applegate Valley

A rugged, isolated sub-valley within the Rogue Valley where the Applegate River drains north through the Siskiyou Mountains, distinguished by the presence of serpentine and ultramafic soils found almost nowhere else in American viticulture. These magnesium-rich, nutrient-poor soils stress vines severely and concentrate flavours; Troon Vineyard's work in biodynamic viticulture on serpentine has produced some of the most compelling and unusual wines in the Pacific Northwest. Tempranillo, syrah, merlot, and cabernet achieve depth and structural interest unavailable on more conventional soils.

Year Rating Notes
2024 93 Applegate Valley's 2024 produced wines of exceptional mineral precision alongside the sub-appellation's characteristic warm-climate concentration. Clean conditions and the Siskiyou Mountains' moderation created an outstanding vintage.
2023 86 Moderate vintage with good aromatic lift. Wines are more approachable in youth than previous power years.
2022 94 The finest Applegate Valley vintage on record. Bordeaux varieties achieved complete phenolic maturity with retained freshness from the valley's elevation.
2019 90 Warm mountain valley delivered Cabernet Franc and Tempranillo of notable concentration and herbal complexity. Harvest was extended and pristine.
2014 92 Applegate Valley's 2014 benefited from the sub-appellation's elevation and Siskiyou mountain influence combined with the season's unusual warmth and dryness. Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and Syrah all achieved outstanding ripeness with the valley floor's characteristic spicy mineral character.
2013 91 Applegate Valley's 2013 was shaped by the Siskiyou Mountains' moderating influence on what was otherwise a very warm southern Oregon vintage. The valley floor's elevation and rocky soils produced Cabernet and Merlot of exceptional structure and mineral definition.
2012 90 Applegate Valley's 2012 was concentrated and powerful. The sub-appellation's elevation and Siskiyou Mountain influence controlled the vintage's warmth, producing structured Cabernet and Merlot with good acid retention.
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