Here’s a blend of grapes that you don’t see every day, and it’s a lesson that there’s more than one way to tame a tannic beast. Winemaker Joe Shebl adds 25% Marsanne to this blend of equal parts Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah and comes up with an elegantly rustic wine that will please fans of Amador style. Raspberry hard candy and blackberry pie with an attractive touch of Amador heat make this a perfect spicy angus burger accompaniment.
Renwood Winery, Amador County (California) 2012
By Rich Cook