2016 Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee

Buy 2016 Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee at Elite Wine Society

About Zaca Mesa Z Cuvee 2016:

The winery has been producing this classic Rhône-style blend since 1992. Inspired by the food-friendly and exquisitely layered wines of the Southern Rhône Valley, the Z Cuvée
exemplifies the delicate unity between the savory elegance and fruit-driven nature of these blends.

Tasting Notes:

Dynamic bouquet of red and black fruits, potpourri, and dried herbs. The soft and seductive tannins are energized by flavors of tart spiced plum and cocoa dusted black cherries.

Barrel Selection:

16 months in neutral French oak.

Growing Notes:

Since 1997, the vineyard and their winemaking practices have been focused on growing and producing excellent terroir-driven, Rhône-style wines. With this concentrated direction, Zaca Mesa wines have consistently received many 90+ scores throughout our history.

At Zaca Mesa, they have embraced the Code of Sustainable Winegrowing to ensure the health and sustainability of the vineyard, employees, neighbors, and environment. To foster a healthier environment, they use organic products, conserve energy and water, and efficiently use materials to reduce waste. The vineyard only farms one-third of their total acreage, leaving open space for wildlife and to preserve natural groundwater. The goal is to achieve balance in the vineyard by learning to work with nature and viewing the estate as one living, breathing system.

Winemaking Notes:

Harmony created blending red Rhône varietals; Mourvèdre, Grenache, Cinsault, and Syrah.

About Zaca Mesa Winery:

Zaca Mesa Winery & Vineyards was founded in 1973 by John Cushman and five friends, who purchased the property the year prior. As the third winery established in Santa Barbara County, experimentation was an integral part of Zaca Mesa’s early days. Several different varieties plant to see which grapes would suite to the estate’s unique terroir. After many trials, Zaca Mesa’s first winemaker, Ken Brown, planted Syrah in 1978, establishing Zaca Mesa as the first to plant Syrah in Santa Barbara County. This block of Syrah remains the oldest Syrah block on the Central Coast, known as the Black Bear Block.

Years later, Zaca Mesa produced thefirst Central Coast wine to achieve a Wine Spectator Top Ten at #6, the 1993 Zaca Mesa Syrah, created by Winemaker Daniel Gehrs. It became the wine of choice at the White House on February 1, 1996 for the French President Jacques Chirac at the official State Dinner.

As a pioneer in Santa Barbara County. Zaca Mesa has been a training ground for many great winemakers earning the moniker “Zaca University.” Further establishing Zaca Mesa as a renowned producer of estate-grown Central Coast wines. Continuing Zaca Mesa’s legacy today. Winemaker Kristin Bryden, became head winemaker in 2016. Along with Assistant Winemaker Andrew Keil. Bryden takes a hands-on, artisanal approach to crafting quality wines that reflect Zaca Mesa’s unique site.