Zaca Mesa 2005 Z Cuvée

one of the baldwinegeeks favorite santa ynez valley vineyards is zaca mesa. the 2005 z-cuvée is a rhone-inspired red blend of 48% mourvedre, 29% grenache, 20% syrah, and 3% cinsaut. the blend changes from year to year and these folks know how to do it right. i'll revisit some of their other wines later this summer. on to the review. on the nose, blackberry earth and spice. taste the blackberries right away along with herbs and earth and a nice black licorice finish which is nice and long and sexy. this is a bold, plush wine that will go with everything from pizza with mushrooms to lamb. i would try this with a nice filet and grilled mushrooms. layers of flavor. beautiful wine for about $18.