After producing world-class wine around the globe as the head-winemaker for the likes of Simi, Allied Domecq, and Beam Estates, Nick Goldschmidt decided to start a family company with his wife Yolyn in 1998. The goal of the company was to focus on site-specific winemaking from great vineyard sites from around the world. Nick knew exactly which vineyard sites he would choose to make his wines. The wines Nick and Yolyn Goldschmidt produce are all single-vineyard, handcrafted, small-production, artisan wines from the Alexander Valley, California.

Trig Point is named for Nick’s land surveyor father, who was a genius mathematician and an explorer who spent two years on the Rose Ice Shelf of the Antarctic. A trig is a point of measurement or reference. For the winemaker, he considers his vineyard and varietals as a point of reference for the AV area.

We will taste:

Russian River Chardonnay '20 — The vineyards were former apple orchards replanted in 1990s. Afternoon breezes continually cool the vineyard under the marine layer while cool sunlight produces smaller grapes with more ripening days at lower temperatures. This produces fruit with more flavor, complexity and quality. 100% old-field selection Chardonnay. The smaller berries of the 2020 vintage have resulted in higher fruit concentration and a little extra plushness. This opens to ripe creamy aromas with fresh flavors of lychee, tangerine, Asian pear and a little nutty brioche. The wine is rich and light, and balanced. There are lively lemon flavors accented by creamy aromas. The long succulent apple pie-finish is topped off with melon, subtropical fruits, and a touch of butterscotch right on the finish. 13.9% ABV. $29/$10.

Diamond Dust Merlot '20 — The southern, cooler region of the Diamond Dust Vineyard with its slightly richer soils produces Merlot with more power and depth. Vibrant, dark violet hue; ripe plum and blackberry aromas with red raspberry and black cherry flavors. Full-bodied and dense, the palate is lush and finishes with velvety tannins and hints of cinnamon, nutmeg and black tea. Complex, soft and round but balanced with good acid. 100% Merlo. 14.5% ABV. $29/$10

Railroad Vineyard Zinfandel '20 — The Railyard Vineyard was planted in pre-phylloxera times on St. George rootstock. Vines planted on this “old-fashioned” rootstock show more vigor than when planted on the more modern type. These vines require much less water — a key benefit as California just posted some of the the driest years on record. This wine is dark purple-red in color. Ripe black cherry, plum, gravel and gun flint with oak spice on the nose. It is a deep, layered wine and an even weight on the palate. This full-bodied but silky textured wine boasts ultraripe blackberries, dried plums and hints of earth and dried sage, without feeling heavy. Light tannins and richness leave it tasting sweet on the finish. Blend: 95% Zinfandel, 5% Petite Syrah. 14.5% ABV. $29/$10.