Eaglepoint Ranch Winery

Coro Mendocino is a wine that any winery bonded in Mendocino County is eligible to make. They just have to follow the rules. First, Zinfandel must comprise between 40% and 70% of the blend, and no other grape can account for a great share than Zin. Second, most of the rest of the wine must come from a list of so-called “heritage” grapes with a long history in Mendocino (Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignane, Sangiovese, Grenache, Dolcetto, Charbono, Barbera, Primitivo); there’s also a “free play” allotment of up to 10% that can come from any grape currently grown in the county (such as Pinot Noir and Pinotage). Finally, the wine must be aged in barrel at least a year, aged in bottle at least a year, and be in balance as defined by alcohol, pH, and total acidity.

Zinfandel and Syrah dominate this blend at a 2:1 ratio, with the remaining 12% Petite Sirah and Grenache. The aroma set is packed tight, but you can sense the intensity and earthiness as you sniff. When you sip, you get the fruit about as far forward as Coro gets, a wallop of mixed berry, plum and pomegranate flavor that’s more than sweet even though the wine is dry. The tannins are not over-managed, so you can feel them in the texture as a welcome touch of down-to-earthiness. Yet there’s no obvious heat in the wine, so it’s easy to slide it down your throat at the end of the day while contemplating the cooking fire. A Coro for outdoorsmen (and women).

Reviewed August 7, 2007 by Thom Elkjer.