Kim Kolb
Trio Vintners is a winery in Walla Walla Valley. Karen LaBonte is the owner and winemaker.I met Karen on Facebook.. She started following my WineyWomen Facebook Page. Karen said that she loved reading my posts. Wow, I thought.. someone actually likes what I have to say. What was special about Karen? Well, I have never met Karen. I was not able to get to her winery on the short day I was there, and yet Karen sent me 3 bottles of wine at no charge. Why is this even remotely COOL! Well, It is cool because Karen realizes that word of mouth advertising and having someone talk about her and her wines is a great way to advertise.
Karen did indeed send the wine and I was so excited! There they were 3 new babies to add to my collection.
I am under strict orders from Karen to let these wines lay for about 2 weeks because they are suffering from Bottle Shock. They came by plane and need to recover.
Another interesting thing about Trio Vintners is that Walla Walla as a whole is very Eco-Minded, but Karen is one of the first in Walla Walla to use Eco Friendly Glass to bottle her wines. Eco-Glass is made with 25% less glass, which makes the bottle lighter and cost less in shipping for the consumer. This could mean a significantincrease in wine sales because shipping usually runs about $25. You can tell the difference in weight of a regular bottle and the Eco-Glass bottle.
What did Karen send me?
2008 RIOT, a Red table wine from the Columbia Valley
Karen was reluctant to make because she likes the single varietal wines. This wine is a blend of 85% Mourvèdre, 10% Sangiovese and 5% Grenache, and, arguably it may be an unusual combination, but we've never stood on tradition here at Trio! The RIOT kicks off with a bright mouth-feel thanks to the Sangiovese but quickly mellows out with the dark fruit of the Mourvèdre and smooth tannins from the Grenache. There are a lot of wines out thereclaiming to be 'your table wine' but RIOT is truly designed to go with a large varietyoffood. It practically comes withits own table!
2008 Sangiovese, Walla Walla Valley
This blend is from two of our favorite sites: Mission Hills vineyard farmed by Mike Locati, is located in the hills south of the historic Whitman Mission. The fruit has a dark, brooding intensity, not unlike an Italian film star. Morrison Lane, farmed by the estimable Dean Morrison, adds bright acid and bracing cherry fruit, zipping through the blend like a Vespa through old Siena. Together they send the message: Sangioves is back and Walla Walla is where it's at!
2008 Cabernet Franc, Horse Heaven Hills
Thanks Karen, you ROCK!
I can't wait to try the wines and you can be sure to watch a review on Swirl TV.
Have you tried Karen's wines at Trio Vintners? Let us know, we want to hear what you have to say!
