2018 TR Passalacqua Ispirato

Tasting Notes

2018 Ispirato is the inaugural vintage of this blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Malbec, and Cabernet Franc and it is a showstopper. Comprised of two barrels of Blocks 18 & 19 for intensity and structure on the palate, two barrels of Block 23 bringing opulent fruit and velvety tannins. Two barrels of Malbec bring inky color and add layers of damson plum and black cherry. Our single barrel of Cabernet Franc weaves in an earthy component showing dried tobacco leaf, wet stone, and crushed violets.

Winemaker's Notes

Ispirato, the Italian word for Inspired, perfectly describes how we feel about growing and making this wine. The TR Passalacqua vineyard is the perfect site for growing our Cabernet, but we have always wanted to create a Bordeaux blend unique to our Estate Ranch. We wanted to craft a wine that showcased the intensity and structure of our Cabernet, but also played with the nuance and complexity that can only come from a blend. In 2015, after a few years of prodding, we finally convinced Tom Passalacqua to plant half an acre each of Cabernet Franc and Malbec. The rolling hills and rocky soils of our TR Passalacqua Ranch are perfectly suited for these Bordeaux varietals. Each varietal was picked and aged separately as we do with all of our Blocks from the Ranch. After 20 months in 100% French oak barrels we selected our favorite seven barrels that comprise this powerhouse of a wine.