2006 Linne Calodo Sticks and Stones

The 2006 Sticks and Stones (a combination of 65% Grenache, 24% Mourvedre, and 11% Syrah) exhibits a Chateau Rayas-like nose of kirsch liqueur, licorice, and flowers. There is super fruit on the attack, entry, mid-palate, and finish. Beautifully elegant, pure, and already complex, this 380-case cuvee should drink well for 7-8 years. Matt Trevisan is one of Paso Robles’ up-and-coming stars. He’s doing everything right, and it’s good to see him planting a new estate vineyard of nearly 18 acres, building a new wine cellar, and taking full advantage of the gorgeous limestone soils on the hillsides of West Paso Robles. Trevisan has also been ahead of the curve in realizing that the finest Paso Robles wines are usually blends. Undeniably, he has demonstrated a Midas touch when it comes to assembling innovative blends. He is also the only winemaker in this region that I know of who is doing terrific work with Zinfandel, using it as the core component in some diverse as well as creative blends. His wines spend time in an assortment of different sized oak barrels, little of it new. 2006 is a strong vintage for Trevisan, further bolstering his ability to deal with more challenging harvests. Paso Robles has many old, dry-farmed Zinfandel vineyards in this area, most of which are being under-utilized. However, Matt Trevisan’s innovative use of this varietal includes the following four offerings, all brilliant examples of how Zinfandel can be blended intelligently with other varietals. There will be a few new cuvees in 2007, one of which had not yet been named when I tasted it, and another from the Booker and Denner Vineyards that is mostly Syrah. I gave it a provisional rating of (92-95). Trevisan said it may be called “The Widowmaker.” Tel. (805) 227-0790; Fax (805) 227-4868

65% Grenache, 24% Mourvedre and 11% Syrah. The 2006 Linne Calodo Sticks and Stones is a stunning wine that shows dark fruit, black cherry and wild strawberry notes intermixed with licorice, spice and white pepper aromas. The palate is beautifully balanced with sweet fruit, nice precision and a long finish.