2023 Brecon Zinfandel / Tannat (98 points)
Welcome to the realm of the path less traveled. We, and our little Lord Farquaad, have only been this way in 14,16,17, and 21. Originally conceived as a “one-off” for the demanding wine club, it has proved remarkably popular and somewhat fiddly to replicate. Diving into the mind of our winemaker, beyond the cobwebs and British punk music, we have no idea what the trigger is to bring the coveted Zin/Tannat recipe from the darkest reaches of his grey matter. Elegant spice and opulent fruit from the Zin, richness and body from Tannat, fantastic length that lingers! And a brightness of character born in the hills.
Double Gold. SF Chronicle Wine Competition, January 2026
98 pts, Double Gold. L.A. Invitational Wine Competition, March 2026
A favorite for Mabel, our Great Pyrenees X, as Tannat hails from the shadow of said mountains. Rugged tannins and intense color, it is a rare locale indeed that ripens this grape to perfection- think Uruguay, Paso, and Madiran. Frequently hidden in our Zinfandel at 3-4%, here it’s unashamedly 40%. Smells and tastes like the full-bodied old vine Zin that it is, with a backbone even a Marine would be proud of. Indeed, we sometimes press out the Tannat early to ensure the Tannins are not overly dominant in the blend.
| Vintage | 2023 |
| Varietal | Zinfandel / Tannat |
| Varietal Composition | 60% Zinfandel, Willow Creek District, Paperstreet Vineyard
37% '23 Tannat, Adelaida District, Brecon Estate Vineyard
3% '22 Tannat, Adelaida District, Brecon Estate Vineyard |
| Appellation | Paso Robles |
| Acid | .69g/100ml |
| PH | 3.32 |
| Aging | Drink Now - 2040 |
| Residual Sugar | 0.09g/100ml |
| Alcohol | 15.20% |
| Volume | 750 ml |
| Bottling Date | 04/09/2025 |
| Cases Produced | 276 |
In fairness to our winemaker, as the years flew by, we were not able to make Zin/Tannat each vintage due to not having enough Tannat. Having planted his own, we no longer have that issue! Combine this with the hilltop nature of all the component vineyards, and this translates to truly ripe fruit. Not a green or white pepper note to be found.
