The Trefethen family has been growing grapes for over fifty years in Napa Valley’s Oak Knoll District AVA, moving on to making wine over forty years ago. The family helped establish the area as a grape-growing district, establishing their vineyards on land that had been filled with oak, walnut, and orchard fruit trees. The family played key roles in helping establish the Napa Valley Agricultural Preserve, co-founded the Napa Valley Grapegrowers, and were the main drivers in proving the agricultural significance of Oak Knoll, helping the region become an American Viticultural Area (AVA) in 2004.

From some of the rockiest parts of the estate vineyard with alluvial, well-draining soils filled with marine sediment, Trefethen Dragon’s Tooth Red Blend ($65) is crafted from a blend of predominantly Malbec, with Cabernet, Petit Verdot, and a touch of Merlot, creating a somewhat unconventional Bordeaux blend, like that from Cahors, France. Dragon’s Tooth is named in honor of the family’s Welsh heritage, “Y Ddraig Goch”, the symbol of Wales, adorns this bottle of Dragon’s Tooth,

Rich and intense, yet fresh and bright, balancing fresh acidity with round, lush tannin. The nose features intense aromas of dark brambly fruit and layers of cinnamon, violet, and vanilla, leading to flavors of blackberry, Morello cherry, balsamic, and spice. Balanced and supple on the palate, the finish is mouthwateringly smooth. Pair with roasted lamb, lean beef like filet or skirt steak with chimichurri, or peppers and tomatoes.