2005 Zaca Mesa Z Three
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Tasting notes
Along with a killer opaque, deep purple color, the 2005 Zaca Mesa Z Three rhone blend of 46% Syrah, 40% Mourvèdre and 14% Grenache sports a seriously ripe nose of black berries and other dark fruits, graphite and creamy, caramel oak notes. While seemingly over the top at first, this smoothes out with air, gains more edge and delineation and loses some of its jammy and sweet character. The palate is full bodied, lush, rich and balanced and while it trails off slightly on the finish, possesses nice structure, depth and restraint. This sees 21 months in 40% new French oak and shows it, but I think it has the fruit to handle it.
Critic scores
Average Score
Robert Parker
Jeb Dunnuck
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More austere and leaner, but still interesting and pleasant is the 2005 Z Three, a blend of 46% Syrah, 40% Mourvedre, and 14% Grenache. The Mourvedre component is more noticeable than the other two varietals, which accounts for some of the tough tannins and rusticity found in this offering. It, too, should be drunk over the next 2-3 years. These are both stylish, straightforward blends that seemingly emulate a French Cotes du Rhone. Tel. (805) 688-9339; Fax (805) 688-8796