Trespass is a very small producer in Napa.  The owner, Donnie Gallagher farms his grapes at the base of Spring Mountain at the end of a side road in St. Helena.  Donnie works with Nils and Kirk Venge to produce outstanding wines.  Trespass historically has made two wines a Cabernet Sauvignon and a Cabernet Franc. Last year they released a Cabernet-based blend.  

First, let talk about their Cabernet Franc.  This highly floral, but this powerful example of Cab Franc demonstrates what a grower and vintner can do with this varietal.  Donnie has taken this one step more by harvesting the grapes from each side of the vines separately.  He calls them his AM and PM because one side receives the morning sun and the other receives the evening sun.  After barrel aging each side separately, he has produced his own blend.  But he will also sell you bottles of AM and PM separately so you can make your own blend.  The AM has spice and bright red fruits: raspberry, cherry, pomegranate.  The PM has cola, tobacco, mocha, cinnamon and lush black and blue fruits:  blackberry, blueberry, black cherry.  It also as the cigar box aroma and tobacco leave flavor. I really enjoy the approach Donnie is taking.  His Trespass Cab Franc is a pleasure.

Trespass did two 2004 Cabernet Sauvignon wines.  They are both huge wines that require a lot of aeration.  I recommend decanting it for at least an hour before serving.  The 2004 Cabernet has red berry, cherry flavors.  The Estate version is has brighter fruit.  The Oakville version is more brooding with bigger, darker spices such as anise, cinnamon and cardamom.   

New in the line this year is a Petite Sirah.  Donnie’s 2005 Petit Sirah is planned for release in June 2008.  His Petite Sirah has an opaque purple-black appearance.  The inky intensity of the color leaves a purple stain on the inside of the glass when you swirl it.  The current and black plum fruit attacks the pallet from the initial sip.  The tannins are rounded, but would benefit from some additional years in the cellar.  We had the pleasure of sitting on the patio in the vineyard with Donnie, sipping this wonderful wine while the sun set.  I recommend the experience.   I am also waiting anxiously for the release of this wine.

Small produces such as Trespass truly handcraft their wines.  These wineries are the true finds in Napa.  Don’t hesitate to try a winery you are not familiar with.  You could miss out on an outstanding experience.

Mike