Frequently there's one member of the family that's a bit of a renegade. For us it is this wine. The climate of Monterey generally does not conform to that of prime Zinfandel areas, but there are a few warm spots with which to have fun.
Tucked back in the steamy Arroyo Seco river canyon south of the Santa Lucia Highlands appellation, Anne Hougham's organically farmed Mesa del Sol Vineyard is a haven for heat-loving varietals. The microclimate at Mesa del Sol is night and day to Rosella's Vineyard, with complete wind protection and sandy gravelly soil above the Arroyo Seco gorge. The vines are stressed, and even with double cordons, they only produced about 3 tons/acre.
The 2008 RTW is composed of 40% Zinfandel, 35% Syrah, and 25% Sangiovese. The organically grown Sangiovese and Zinfandel fruit for this bottling are both sourced from the Mesa del Sol Vineyard in Arroyo Seco, as is virtually all of the Syrah.
The aromas and flavors of the 2008 RTW are a mix of red and black fruits. Suggestions of spiced plums, berries and caramel are followed by flavors of cherries and rhubarb, black pepper, and smoke. Overall, the texture is fairly rounded, with gentle tannins and a fat, fruity middle palate.
This is meant to be a fun wine that stays a step outside of our main focus. It is deliberately made in a bright and fruity style that is engaging and fun to drink. Flexible enough to partner with all sorts of casual meals; it is priced accordingly.