Tercero 2009 Cuvée Loco and Dry Creek 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel
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Tercero 2009 Cuvée Loco
Grown in the renowned Larner Vineyard in Santa Ynez Valley, this blend is made up of 75 percent Grenache and 25 percent Syrah. Winemaker Larry Schaefer, who was Fess Parker’s winemaker many years, is a Rhone red specialist and his excellent white and rose wines are always among my favorites. I find this red blend bold and rustic yet beautifully balanced. The latter is what Schaefer strives for in all of his wines. This one is aging beautifully. I enjoyed its flavors of briary black berries, worn leather, spice, and smoky notes. It’s perfect for game, lamb, or tri-tip, but it’s also delicious on its own. Available at the Los Olivos tasting room or online at tercerowines.com, it’s a good buy at $30 retail. Guests often find Schaefer in the tasting room which is always an educational tasting experience.
Dry Creek 2011 Old Vine Zinfandel
This impressive zinfandel is made up from low-yielding vineyards that are 90 to over 110 years old, and you can taste its pedigree in its rich, well-balanced aromas and flavors. Blended with 17 percent Petite Sirah, it is low in alcohol at only 14.5 percent and you don’t notice any heat. The pretty dark berry fruit flavors are nicely nuanced with bright notes of raspberries, blueberries, spice, and white pepper. It’s a beautifully balanced zin that I totally enjoyed sipping alone. It’s also perfect for pairing with a meaty pizza, a grilled steak, or a roast chicken with root veggies. Usually at BevMo! but if you can’t find it locally you can order it online, it’s $30 retail at drycreekvineyard.com.
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