Flora Springs Highlights Delicious Napa Valley Fruit

Flora Springs has been making wine in Napa Valley since the late 1970s. They farm more than 650 acres, the source for most of the grapes they use for their wines. They make several ranges of wines, both offerings available nationally and some that are exclusive to their tasting room and wine club. Here's a look at three current releases available across the U.S. that I really enjoyed.

Flora Springs 2013 Soliloquy Sauvignon Blanc

Suggested Retail Price $25. All of the fruit for this wine came from the Oakville section of Napa Valley. It's composed entirely of Sauvignon Blanc. 57 percent the Soliloquy Clone and 43 percent the Musque Clone. Aging took place over seven months in a combination of stainless steel, concrete, and oak. Just Fewer than 5,000 cases were produced. A gentle hint of grass emerges from the nose followed by lots of lemon zest aromas. The palate is smooth, even, and easy to drink with depth, finesse, and elegance to spare. Citrus elements such as lemon and grapefruit are in abundance along with underlying wisps tropical fruit via mango and papaya. The finish is long and mellifluous with pepper, continued lemon and a bit of green herb. While the Musque Clone Sauvignon Blanc is the small contributor here percentage wise it make a huge impact on the aromatic and flavor profile.

Flora Springs 2012 Napa Valley Merlot

Suggested Retail Price $25. The fruit for this wine is all from within Napa Valley. It's composed entirely of merlot. Barrel aging took place over 15 months in a combination of new and previously used French (95 percent) and American (5 percent) oak. 5,300 cases of this wine were produced in 2012. Toast, vanilla bean and red berry fruit aromas appear on the nose here. Cherries, earth, and a bit of graphite tell the story of the incredibly appealing palate. Black tea and chicory emerge on the finish which is marked by crushed red and black cherries. This well-structured merlot, which is varietally correct, shows off medium tannins and solid acidity. This is a fine example of Napa Valley merlot that really showcases the typical characteristics of this grape, which can be phenomenal when treated appropriately. Do you like cherries? If your answer is yes, you'll love this wine.

Flora Springs 2011 Trilogy

Suggested Retail Price $75. This wine was produced from fruit sourced in various parts of the Napa Valley. It's a blend of cabernet sauvignon (75 percent), merlot (10 percent), petit verdot (10 percent) and malbec (5 percent). Barrel aging took place over 22 months in entirely French oak; 60 percent of the barrels were new the balance once used. 4,680 cases of this offering were produced. Roasted coffee, blackberry, and leather aromas are all prominently featured on the nose of this Bordeaux inspired blend. The palate is deeply layered with tons of black fruit flavors which are highlighted by small dollops of red fruit. Tobacco leaf, espresso, minerals and a gentle hint of cola are all part of the persistent finish. Firm tannins yield with some air. Trilogy is delicious now and will reward some aging. Lay it down for eight years and drink it in the four after that. Right now it would pair perfectly with filet mignon topped with gorgonzola.

This trio of wines flawlessly exemplifies the quality of fruit that is so often grown in Napa Valley. The grapes highlighted here are also amongst those that have famously thrived there for many decades. The merlot and sauvignon blanc are extremely well priced for the value they represent. Trilogy likely represents a special occasion or holiday purchase for most people. The quality and pleasure it offers makes it worthy on all counts for just that.