As we continue to celebrate some absolutely awesome wineries for Walla Walla Wine Month, we bring you a stellar lineup — from crisp Rose to deep and layered Cabernet Sauvignon. Tranche wines were originally based upon Rhône Valley varietals including their blended red, Pink Pape for their rosé and ‘Slice of Pape Blanc’ and ‘Pape’ wines of white and red varieties of the Rhône. Wines are sourced from their world class vineyard, the ‘Blue Mountain Vineyard’ which is a higher elevation site that has a host of varietals planted — everything from Cabernet Franc to Mourvedre.
At the helm is Andrew Trio who is far from home being a native of Perth, Australia. He began making wine in the Margaret River region. His formal education took place at the University of Adelaide, South Australia, where he studied Oenology. Andrew learned winemaking quickly and thoroughly, working in several well-known regions throughout Australia, as well as New Zealand, California and Europe, before finding a permanent home with Tranche in Walla Walla. Production wine Central Washington University. His experience working with Sauvignon Blanc and Riesling in New Zealand ignited his passion for white winemaking. This drew him to Walla Walla in 2012, where he joined the team at Tranche.
The new wines were seriously good across the board. Look to an awesome new Rose, the 2019 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose (WWB, 91) which has wonderful finesse and a seriously good range of flavors. Even better is the glorious 2017 Tranche ‘Pape’ Red Wine (WWB, 93) which has awesome depth and concentration with a silky mouthfeel. This is a one of a kind Rhone blend that will cellar well for at least another decade. Learn more about these beautiful wines athttps://www.tranche.wine Here are the awesome new wines by Tranche.
2019 Tranche ‘Pink Pape’ Rose- The ‘Pink Pape’ is a gorgeous new wine by the talented winemaking team at Tranche. Fresh and beatufuly textured, the wine has delicate red fruit and rose water flavors that collide with minerals, honeydew melon and suggestions of wild mushroom on this complex palate. Delightful to enjoy right now, the 2019 ‘Pink Pape’ will cellar well over the next several years. Drink 2020-2025- 91
2017 Tranche ‘Estate’ Chardonnay- The 2017 Tranche ‘Estate’ Chardonnay has wonderful freshness and balance, with a silky smooth texture. Layers of Pink Lady apple and vanilla cream come together with minerals and shades of nutmeg infused Challah bread on the palate. The length is really good, as this bright and soft new Chardonnay will cellar well over the next seven to ten years. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2017 Tranche ‘Pape Blanc’ White Wine- Always an intriguing white wine out of Walla Walla, the 2017 ‘Pape Blanc’ combines Viognier (32%) and Grenache Blanc (19%) with 15% both Roussanne, Picpoul Blanc and Marsanne with a touch of Clairette Blanche (4%). Right out of the gate, the nutty and damp earth aromatics deftly combine with shades of kiwi and starfruit on this expressive nose. The palate is silky smooth, with layers of bright melon and starfruit flaovrs, with earthy undertones and vanilla cream flavors rounding out this expressive palate. Drink 2020-2027- 92
2017 Tranche ‘Pape’ Red Wine- A blend of Syrah (51%) with smaller portions Mourvedre (30%) and Grenache (19%), this takes the lead with smoked brisket aromatics woven together with dried herbs, milk chocolate and loganberry preserves. The palate has great freshness with layers of red and dark fruits with creosote and chocolate covered espresso bean flavors. The length and smooth texture of the wine really shines. Outstanding to enjoy right now, the 2017 ‘Pape’ has a long life ahead of it. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Tranche ‘Estate’ Syrah- Sourced from the Blue Mountain Vineyard, this has gorgeous aromatics of bacon fat, smoke, leather and ripe dark fruits that all come together in the glass. The palate is wonderfully textured, with shades of clove and cinnamon sticks that combine with tar, mocha and anise that all mingle together in unison. The long finish lingers. Drink 2020-2030- 93
2017 Tranche ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc- The 2017 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc has layers of red bell pepper, fresh sage and ripe black fruit aromatics that all come together in the glass. The palate has good freshness and verve, with a silky texture. Layers of mocha, green bell pepper, blackberry compote and black tea all combine marvelously in the glass. Seriously good to enjoy right now, the 2017 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Franc shows why it is one of the better Cabernet Franc values in the state. Drink 2020-2030- 92
2017 Tranche ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon- The 2017 ‘Estate’ Cabernet Sauvignon is a downright awesome new wine by Tranche. Mocha, with tar and leather combine with ripe blackberries and huckleberry tones on the nose. The palate is beautifully balanced with layers of Earl Grey tea, coffee grounds and blackberry pie, with milk chocolate tones and light tannins that line the core of dark fruits. Enjoy this great new wine over the next decade or more. Drink 2020-2032- 92