Zaca Mesa Releases New Super Rhône Wine: Syrah & Cabernet Sauvignon Blend

Zaca Mesa Winery was the third winery established in Santa Barbara County, as well as the first in the county to plant Syrah in 1978. Since then, Zaca Mesa has continued to produce distinctive Rhône wines that consistently receive high scores and praise industry wide. Since 1997, Zaca Mesa has focused solely on growing world-class examples of Syrah and other Rhône varieties through meticulous farming and traditional winemaking techniques.

Now, Zaca Mesa introduces a new bistro-style wine that’s reminiscent of classic blends in Provence, France or Tuscany, Italy. Blending traditional Rhône varietals with a structural favorite like Cabernet Sauvignon creates a “Super Rhône” wine that pairs easily with food and is utterly delicious.

“This kind of elegant table wine rarely makes it out of France,” says Winemaker Kristin Bryden. “It’s what locals in the region drink with meals every day.”

Just as the Super Tuscan wines have garnered praise for their complexity and drinkability, this “Super Rhône” is perfect for large meals and is ready to drink. Kristen says “We wanted to make our own silky, fruit-driven blend that could be enjoyed by folks immediately, with all kinds of foods.”

The wine’s red and black fruit flavors, complex structure and silky tannins come from Zaca Mesa Vineyard Syrah, Mourvèdre, Grenache and Cinsault, less than 30 miles from the Pacific Ocean (California’s Rhône Zone) and Cabernet Sauvignon from Happy Canyon AVA, where warmer weather is ideal for Bordeaux grapes.

The name Toyon is derived from a native shrub found growing in the sandy hills and terraces that make up the estate vineyard, and has been a historic term for blends at the winery. Today the wine is made from a combination of grape varietals grown on and off the estate for optimum balance.

The 2014 Toyon blend’s fruit-driven aromas and flavors deliver a beautiful array of red and black fruits—characteristic of both Rhône and Bordeaux grapes—along with soft, plush tannins. It’s available November 12 to purchase via wine club from the winery. 

About Zaca Mesa

Zaca Mesa Winery, located in the Santa Ynez Valley of Santa Barbara County, California, is dedicated to estate grown and bottled Rhône varietal wines. They craft wines with integrity using traditional methods from grapes sustainably grown in their Santa Barbara County vineyard. Since 1973, they have farmed and nurtured their vineyard to produce wines that are true to the unique spirit of their land. Still family-owned, Zaca Mesa brings old-world Syrah heritage to the Santa Ynez Valley. For more information about Zaca Mesa Winery call (805) 688-9339, or visit ZacaMesa.com.