Trig Point
“A “trig” has been used for many years to establish boundary lines. Trigonometrical stations were set on the top of hills and used as surveying sites. Just as my father was a land surveyor and used these trigs as a reference, so do I when it comes to well-known vineyard sites” Nick Goldschmidt, Winemaker.
Trig Point is produced by Nick Goldschmidt and his wife Yolyn. After flying the globe for many years as the head-winemaker for the likes of Simi, Allied Domecq, and Beam Estates, Nick decided to start a family company with his wife Yolyn in 1998. The goal of the company was to focus on site specific wine making from great vineyard sites from around the world. Having produced so many world class wines from around the globe, Nick knew exactly from 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.
Born in Auckland, New Zealand, Nick found his way to viticulture after completing his Bachelor of Science in Canterbury at Lincoln University where he pursued a Diploma in Horticulture.
After a year of working in organics, plant breeding and working in the vineyards, Nick went on to study viticulture at Charles Sturt University in Australia. After completing three vintages back in New Zealand, he returned to South Australia to complete his post graduate degree in Winemaking at Roesworthy.
In 1989 he completed his first vintage in California at Carneros Creek making Pinot Noir and then headed to Chile as the winemaker for Caliterra. In 1990 he became the VP/Winemaker for Simi Winery in California. At the time, Simi Winery was owned by LVMH where Nick was also asked to help out with Cloudy Bay in New Zealand, Terrazas in Argentina and Ruffino in Italy – thus beginning his time as a ‘flying winemaker.’ Along the way, he developed his own brands: Forefathers and Goldschmidt Vineyard. Simi was eventually purchased by Constellation in 1999 and in 2003 Nick became Senior VP/Winemaker for Allied-Domecq, where he managed winemaking for the California brands Clos du Bois, Atlas Peak, William Hill, Buena Vista and Gary Farrell among others. Allied-Domecq was sold to Jim Beam in 2006 and Nick added Geyser Peak and Wild Horse to the brands he was overseeing.
In 2008 Nick went out on his own full time, making single vineyard wines and continuing to consult for 16 wineries in 6 countries. He continues his fascination with new technology and biodynamics.
The Wine
Vineyard Profile
Diamond Dust Vineyard sits on benchland in the Alexander Valley of Sonoma. Topography protects this vineyard from Pacific winds.
- Exposure: South/Southeast
- Soils: Deep, gravelly loam; ideal for growing Cabernet Sauvignon
- Climate: Early morning fogs
- A true “trig point” for one of the great uncompromising vineyards of Alexander Valley, growing classical, lush and varietally true Bordeaux varieties
Harvest Notes
- 2021 one of the longest ripening seasons in past 20 years
- Seasons starting earlier due to lack of rains, creating early warm spring soil temperatures
- Heat spike in mid-May restricted berry expansion
- Cooling trend in August at versaison
- Yields lighter with small berries and small clusters, creating unusual concentration
- Hand harvested
- 100% barrel fermented
- Aged 18 months in 25% new oak barrels, Taransaud & Boutes
- 60% French
- 20% American
- 20% Hungarian
Winemaker's Notes
This wine has a deep purple hue with a red middle, having aromas of blueberry and dark cherry. There is a concentration of blackberries, bittersweet chocolate, and maple with round supple tannins. The finish is luxurious and velvet-like as it gracefully ends. Drink now through the next 10 years.
Wine Summary
100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Jackson clone; alcohol: 14.5%; Diamond Dust vineyard on benchland in Alexander Valley; planted in deep gravelly loam soils; 2021 one of the longest growing seasons in 20 years due to lack of rains and warm early spring soils; cool August at verasion; hand harvested; 100% barrel fermented; aged 18 months in 25% new oak, 60% French, 20% American, 20% Hungarian barrels from Taransaud and Boutes.
Technical Information
- 100% Cabernet Sauvignon, Jackson clone
- Alcohol: 14.6%
- Total Acidity: 5.9 g/l
- pH: 3.62
- Yield: 3.5 tons/acre
Reviews
92 Points
Notes of ripe dark and blue fruit with dark cedar, licorice and black olive character. Rich and intense with a full body and firm, chewy tannins. Succulent and fruit-forward with earthy notes in the finish. Drink or hold.
General Info
| Country | USA |
| Region | Sonoma County |
| Appellation(s) | Alexander Valley, Sonoma Coast |
| Proprietors | Nick & Yolyn Goldschmidt |
| Founded | 1998 |
| Winemaker | Nick Goldschmidt |
| Annual Production | 8,000 9L cases |
| Farming (Sustainable, organic, biodynamic) | Regenerative Farming |