Winery info

[Jerry D Mead]

Quivira has a strong track record for Zin, and it's in the style I prefer...the claret style as opposed to the big overripe, jammy, pruney, high-alcohol style that's in vogue at the moment. As I recall, it sees French oak (a little unusual for Zin...most wineries use American, comes from Dry Creek Valley (best place on the planet to grow Zin). So this one should be a winner.

I have less experience with the Cuvee...but it has always been a better than average Cab blend.

Zaca Mesa has been around for a long time...and the winemaking has generally been better than the marketing. I haven't had one of their Chards in years, but the ZC Syrah often kicks butt...Santa Barbara/Santa Maria/Santa Ynez seems to be a good place for that grape. I'm betting on it being the better of the two.

I haven't had the Nautilus...but NZ SBs in general are very stylistic (they talk about gooseberries, but I haven't the slightest idea what a gooseberry tastes like)they do have their own pleasantly agressive herbaceousness...kind of a minty grassiness, with lemon grass and grapefruit and often a little not-unpleasant "cat pee" quality. I know it sounds awful, but it's adjective that gets used in the trade a lot, and once you associate what's being talked about when the term is used you'll find it very descriptive.

JDM