We recently received a blurb from Trinchero Family Estates about Folie a Deux, one of the wines in their extensive portfolio. "Founded in 1981, Folie a Deux – the name is French for 'a passion shared by two' – is known for its commitment to preserving the brand’s legacy by providing consumers affordable, yet quality wine."
Our gripe is not with the wines, which happen to be among our personal favorites, but with the translation of the name. Folie a Deux is a psychiatric term that translates from the French as "a madness shared by two," and if you don't believe us, Google it for yourself. The reason for the choice of such a strange name will soon become apparent.
The winery was founded by Eve and Larry Dismang, a husband-and-wife team of psychiatric professionals who chose a name for their winery and wines that reflected what their compatriots were saying - that they were out of their minds when they decided to open a winery. Needless to say, in very short order, they set up their winery and began to make wine to their specifications. It appears that their taste in wine was what wine lovers all over the country were looking for, and their project prospered.
In 2004, the winery was purchased by Trinchero Family Estates, which has continued the Dismangs' methods. Today, Folie a Deux is still considered one of California's top boutique wineries.
Folie a Deux 2011 Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir ($20)This is a pinot noir that has been hand-crafted by the Folie a Deux winemakers from grapes drawn out of some of the top vineyards in the cool Sonoma Coast grape-growing district.
The grapes from each vineyard add their own specific nuance to the final blend, which resulted in a medium-bodied, delicately scented and powerfully flavored wine. Cherries, both the fruit and the blossoms, completely dominate the aroma, along with a hint of wild mushrooms and spice. These aromas carry over to the flavor, where it mingles with the flavors of espresso, chocolate and just a hint of oak.
This is a wine that should not be taken for granted. It is a grand example of what a pinot noir should be like and also what the Folie a Deux winemakers can do with great grapes.
Folie a Deux 2011 Alexander Valley Sonoma Merlot ($20)Merlot wines have taken a beating in recent years. The elements that made merlot so popular in the early 1990s have been glossed over in favor of ease of production.
The Folie a Deux 2011 Alexander Valley Sonoma Merlot is a return to the style that originally made merlot wines so popular.
The aroma showcases cherries and allspice with fresh herbs, cedar and oak in the background. The flavor incorporates the same elements that are found in the aroma and in perfect balance with the fruit acid and soft tannin. The finish is lingering and fruity.
This soft and enjoyable wine can elegantly grace any dinner table, and if you are a true lover of merlot wines, this is definitely the wine for you.
Folie a Deux 2011 Russian River Valley Chardonnay ($18)We must begin by saying this is one of the best chardonnays we have tasted from the 2011 vintage.
The Folie a Deux 2011 Russian River Valley Chardonnay is not a bold or overpowering wine. Rather, it is a comfortable wine that combines all of the elements of a great chardonnay into a mellow, soft, flavorful and easy to drink beverage.
The aroma is heavy with the scents of pears, apples and vanilla, with a hint of roasted nuts in the background. The flavor is bright, fruity and crisp - accenting green apples and pears. The finish is soft and possesses a toast-like element and the always sought after creamy finish.
From beginning to end, this is a grand wine.
Nixa resident Bennet Bodenstein is a wine columnist and helps manage ArticlesOnWine.com with his wife, Sheila. He can be reached at frojhe@suddenlink.net.[[In-content Ad]]
