The 2018 Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee offers a compelling bouquet, where cracked black pepper intertwines with delicate floral notes of orange blossom, complemented by earthy forest floor and hints of bookbinder's leather. On the palate, this wine showcases firm tannins and medium acidity, leading to a complex finish of ripe raspberries, sandalwood, and a touch of allspice. Its structured tannins make it a perfect companion for hearty dishes such as French braised short ribs or a Philly cheesesteak made with skirt steak. For vegetarian pairings, consider the rich flavors of Sicilian-style eggplant parmesan or smoked portobello mushrooms.

Our wines are made from sustainably farmed grapes that are estate grown, produced and bottled. With over 40 years of grape growing experience in the Santa Ynez Valley, our winemaking and vineyard teams meticulously farm our vineyard to focus on terroir-driven wines. We began growing Rhone varieties in 1978 when we were the first to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County. Since then, we have determined that grape varieties planted in the Rhone Valley of France are best suited to our estate. Situated less than 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean, our vineyard is composed mainly of Chamise soils. These are shallow, well-drained soils that developed over gravelly beds of silt, clay, diatomaceous shale and other sandy water-deposited materials. These soils are found on dissected terraces and eroded hillsides with elevations between 1300 and 1500 feet above sea level. This high elevation combined with cool ocean breezes allow our grapes to retain their natural acidity. Since 1997, the winery has replanted more than half of its original vines with high-density plantings of Rhone varieties, with new rootstock and clone combinations.

Alcohol by Volume: 13.5%

Varietal: VIOGNIER