2008 Linne Calodo Problem Child

The elegant, dense ruby/purple-tinged 2008 Problem Child (70% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah, and the rest Mourvedre) is an elegant, almost Burgundian take on Rhone Ranger winemaking. In a graceful, more restrained style, with delicious flavors of forest floor, briary fruit, and blacker cherries and earth, the wine is medium-bodied, has good freshness and vibrancy, and a nice, attractive finish. This is one of my favorite wineries in the Central Coast. The brain trust behind it is the one and only Matt Trevisan, who has moved into a state-of-the-art winery and barrel-aging facility. Additionally, he is just beginning to get some fruit off the first plantings in the 18-acre estate vineyard. Production is up to about 3,800 to 4,000 cases, although like everyone else in the Central Coast region, yields have been very small in 2007, 2008, and 2009. 2008 has turned out very well for Trevisan, but the yields were extremely small. Tel. (805) 227-0797; Fax (805) 227-4868