2002 Zaca Mesa "Z CUVEE" (Santa Ynez Valley, CA)

Zaca Mesa has for years been one of the most underrated wineries in California. I've never had a wine I didn't like from these folks, and they're usually not that expensive. This blend of 45% Grenache, 30% Mourvedre, 16% Syrah, and 9% Cinsault (all Rhone varietals), was very good and a pretty good value. Dark, bright ruby. Gorgeous, complex nose of cigar box, crushed rocks, baker's chocolate, earthy plums and blueberries. Intense, yet relatively austere flavors of iodine, dry blackberry extract, scorched earth, and salt. Long, dry, spicy & salty finish, with excellent length. A little heat and tannin on the tail. Drink now. 88. Would go very nicely with braised beef or lamb dishes. Was about $15 at Spec's on Smith, I think, a few months ago (I lost the receipt).