Fetzer Vineyards

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.

This blend is close to half Zinfandel, with Petite Sirah right behind (42.5%). The rest is Grenache. (Except for half a percent of Syrah, that is; apparently winemaker Dennis Patton was doing some late-game fine-tuning, which is not only permitted but standard operating procedure among Coro winemakers). Thus the wine is inky dark purple to look at and smells wonderfully like a ripe black berry pie. In your mouth you’ll notice the rich, multilayered texture and great balance of sweetness and acid. With plenty of body, the wine fills your mouth and subsides gracefully like a wave washing slowly out to sea. A Coro for Cabernet lovers.

Reviewed August 7, 2007 by Thom Elkjer.