Expect raspberry, dark cherry, blackberry, black pepper, dried herb, and a touch of smoked meat with medium-to-full body and refined tannins. The 2019 California vintage was excellent.
- Varietal
- Rhône red blend (Z Cuvée is Zaca Mesa's GSM-style blend, traditionally Grenache, Syrah, and Mourvèdre)
- Region
- USA / California / Santa Barbara County / Santa Ynez Valley
- Body
- Medium to Full
- Style
- dry red, Rhône-style blend, oak-aged
The producer
Z Cuvée is Zaca Mesa's flagship Rhône-style red blend. The estate has been a longstanding Rhône specialist in Santa Barbara County since 1973.
What critics say
Z Cuvée receives consistently strong reviews as a benchmark Santa Ynez Valley Rhône blend.
Pairing
Grilled lamb chops, lamb sausage, baked pasta with meat sauce