I can’t remember the last time I mentioned a California wine.
It’s been a while.
I rarely purchase European style blends from the US as I find many of them overpriced and not that great.
I had the chance and pleasure to taste Zinfandels from Trinitas Cellars last year.
My curiosity was piqued when I noticed their Old Vine Cuvee.
It was highly recommended by the store clerk so I went ahead and bought a bottle.
Grapes for this Old Vine Cuvee (2005 vintage) are sourced from Contra Costa County.
Depending on the vintage, the mix for this old world blend changes.
The 2005 Cuvee is 37% Mataro, 24% Zinfandel, 18% Carignane, 13% Petite Syrah and 8% Alicante Bouschet.
Each variety is fermented separately and then blended after partial barrel tasting.
Matoro is best known as Mourvedre or in Spain, Monastrell.
It can also be found under the names of Balzac (any connection with the writer?) or the bizarre Estrangle-Chien (‘dog strangler’) according to the Mourvedre page of Winedirect (UK).
As for my tasting notes, great juice, worth every penny at around $17.
Buy it it you find it!
As for the French connection, Trinitas Cellars is located at
875 Bordeaux Way (The Meritage Resort and Spa) in Napa.
Recent Wine Pick: A Bordeaux that does not Break the Bank, Les Pins de Bossuet (2003)