Trenza, San Luis Obispo County (Central Coast, California) 2008

 Is there nothing winemaker Christian Roguenant can’t do? When I first met Christian he was making sparkling wine for a now defunct winery. It was exceptionally good stuff, but way ahead of its time. Then he moved on to Baileyana, which is owned by the Niven family, longtime growers in the Edna Valley. At Baileyana Roguenant routinely turns out first rate Chardonnay, Pinot Noir and Syrah. A few years back the Nivens added the crisp whites of Tangent to their stable, and Christian became adept at Albarino, the hip Spanish white. They later added the Zocker brand, and Christian became adept at Gruner Veltliner, the hip Austrian white. Now they’ve added Trenza, and the Tinto (that’s red) is vintage Roguenant, with wonderful balance, supple tannins and exceptional red-fruited complexity. This blend of Syrah, Grenache, Tempranillo and Mourvedre is one of the more eclectic and delicious red blends you will find anywhere in California.