Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee 1997

We present with sheer excitement the 1997 Z Cuvee, the sixth vintage of our proprietary Chateauneuf-du-Pape styled blend. The success of this years blend embodies our dedication to developing one of the best red Rhone blends in the country. The Z Cuvee acts as our winerys ambassador, demonstrating the pinnacle of what can be achieved with an Estate Rhone program that so perfectly matches the property to the varietal. This blend acts as a historical summary of our vineyards where weather patterns dictate yields and directly affect the percentage of each years Z Cuvee blend. The 1997 season is no exception.

The 1997 growing season was a winemakers dream come true. Winter rains came early. Mild temperatures in December and January caused the vines to have a short dormancy period and an early bud break. The bud break started a perfect growing season of warm temperatures and dry weather; flowering and fruit set proceeded without a hitch.

The Grenache, Mourvedre, Cinsaut, Counoise, and Syrah were individually harvested at optimal maturity and vented as separate wines. The fermentation caps were wetted twice a day for 12-14 days. The tanks were then pressed to seasoned French oak barrels where each variety underwent malolactic fermentation. We then blended and aged the wines for 10 months.

The married varietals express red and black fruit flavors, a wide array of spices, and big, silky textures. The Grenaches forward rich aromas of raspberry jam and the Counoises distinct strawberry and ripe cherry nuances blend perfectly with the Cinsauts plush mid-palate contribution of plums, spice and a silky mouth-feel. Typically as the wine ages, these aromas evolve into eucalyptus and sagebrush fragrances which mimic the vineyards surrounding landscape. The black fruit flavors, anise, and earth tones come from the Mourvedre and the Syrah. Both give this wine a firm backbone of rounded tannin around a textured and densely layered middle.

Enjoy this wine with your Thanksgiving meal, unique in its ability to match almost any foods flavor or spice. Spicy Penne Puttanesca, Santa Maria Tri-Tip and seared tuna are all Favorite matches with the Z Cuvee. Our 1997 Z Cuvee is delicious to drink now, but will continue to improve over the next 10 years. Buy a case and watch it age!