I take pride in my integrity. I try hard to be objective. I like to think I'm above being swayed by free review samples of this or that. But all of that is in the past now. I've been bitten by an unbidden bottle.

Yes, it's true. I am obliged to disclose that this article is being written solely because of a clever marketing tactic. I am about to praise a bottle I could not possibly drink. I lay the blame on Trefethen Family Vineyards though. They found my weakness.

Yesterday, I received the bottle in question by mail. At first, I didn't even think it was a bottle. The box was small. A large label insisted, "PERISHABLE. Open by April 1st." Having accidentally let past gag mailings (onions, apples, etc.) turn nasty in their box due to neglect, I quickly opened the box. I don't want to be starting any indoor composting projects by accident.

I was shocked by the contents. It was a bottle! What kind of wine is this that has such a short shelf life? Even Beaujolais can last slightly longer than a month. And the bottle was a brand new release!

Enclosed in a tiny gift bag was a tiny sampler of Trefethen Family Vineyards newest cuvee. The back label says that this release was "bottled to capture the very essence of of the Napa Valley; light, delicate and ethereal." And it really is genius in a bottle. It is the 2009 Trefethen Family Vineyards Fallow Vineyard Oak Knoll District blend.

Since I've already admitted that they've got me hooked, I'll just lift some comments directly from their tasting notes. "This distinctive wine is brilliantly clear with delicate nuances of of the character of Napa Valley Fallow [Vineyard]. It is unfined and unfiltered, with perfect elegance, and an indescribably dry finish. Fallow will age for decades if not centuries." [Ha! I knew it couldn't have a 30-day shelf life.]

Trefethen Family Vineyards says the wine is 100% organic and Vegan. It was bottled fresh, with no malolactic fermentation, resting on lees or oak aging. They suggest pairing it with such varied dishes as puff pastry, soufflé, meringue, cotton candy or even "savory dishes topped with gastronomic foam."

"What could this blend be?" I wondered. Fresh and apparently healthful. Versatile yet representing the essence of Napa Valley. Fortunately, Trefethen listed the exact mix: "78% Nitrogen, 21% Oxygen, 1% Argon and Trace elements."

I have to admit that I have long been an Oxygen sucker, so that particular component caught my eye immediately. I admire the restraint with it that Trefethen Family Vineyard showed though. Too much Oxygen can go to your head. The large percentage of Nitrogen makes a nice, neutral base. It softens the Oxygen but does not overwhelm. Above all, I admire their calculated and delicate application of Argon. Often overlooked, Argon is, in fact, a noble gas. It can also be used as a preservative, perhaps leading to those "centuries" of aging potential. Caution must be used though. In large quantities, Argon can asphyxiate chickens. Of course, Trefethen Family Vineyards pulled up far short of that line.

All in all, this new bottling is brilliant. I have to wonder if other wineries will follow Trefethen's Fallow with their own offerings. When replacing vines or replanting vineyards, it's good practice to allow the land to lay fallow for a vintage. It gives the soil time to recover. Yet, letting a vineyard go fallow is a costly proposition, especially in Napa where the cost of land is high. Kudos to you for your innovation, Trefethen Family Vineyards!

One last word, the winery suggests that this bottle will be ideal for an April Fools' Day dinner.

This article is original to NorCalWine.com. Copyright 2010 NorCal Wine. All rights reserved.

Follow NorCalWine on Twitter for breaking wine news, information on events and more. Become a fan and join the NorCal Wine community on Facebook.
Also check out our comprehensive Northern California winery listings. They are very useful for planning a tasting trip or just getting in touch with a winery.

| More...