2008 Linne Calodo Cherry Red

The 2008 Cherry Red is overshadowed, of course, by the profound 2007, but it is again very successful. The blend this year is 58% Zinfandel, 20% Mourvedre, 15% Syrah, and the rest Petite Sirah. It is more restrained and elegant than its older sibling, with loads of raspberries and black cherries intermixed with sandy, loamy soil notes, medium to full body, sweet tannins, and a stylish graceful finish. Drink it over the next 4-5 years. 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