2005 Z Three, Estate
Grown and Bottled Santa Ynez Valley
We began growing Rhône varieties in 1978 when we were the first to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County. Over the years, we have learned that the wines indigenous to the Rhône Valley of France are ideally suited to our estate. This reserve blend is inspired by the wines that the vintners of the Chateauneuf-du-Pape region of the Rhône Valley have been making for hundreds of years.
Growing Season and Harvest
After a very wet winter, the 2005 season was very mild and dry. Our typical “June Gloom” persisted into July but it finally succumbed to the steady warmth of August and September. This gradual ripening allowed for greater flavor development at lower sugar levels than usual for a beautifully balanced wine.
Winemaking
This special blend of Syrah, Mourvèdre, and Grenache represents the best of our vineyards while capturing the individual characteristic of each grape variety. The grapes were hand harvested, fermented and barrel aged separately for 7 months, then combined and aged for an additional 14 months in French oak barrels.
The Wine
Each grape variety adds its own personality: Syrah adds flavors of blackberry and ripe tannins; Mourvèdre brings notes of blueberry and full mouth-feel; and Grenache adds lush raspberry liqueur flavors. These rich layers of flavor create a wine greater than the sum of its parts and enable it to be enjoyed now or cellar for five to seven years.
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pairing chart
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