Three Wine Company is the brainchild of Matt Cline, a 30+-year wine industry veteran, whose stated mission is the preservation and promotion of historic wine varieties such as Zinfandel, Carignane, and Mataro (Mourvèdre). He was the winemaker and creative director at Sonoma’s Cline Cellars in the 1980s and later moved on to his own projects, including Trinitas Cellars—a label (later sold) that was effectively the precursor to Three Wine Co. 

Driven by 77% Zinfandel from vines exceeding 100 years of age (supported by Petite Sirah, Carignane, and Alicante Bouschet), this 2016 is the product of a hot, dry vintage, although Cline notes that there was a perfectly timed stretch of cooler weather at harvest time. The “Live Oak” vineyard, planted in 1885, is one of Contra Costa’s most historic sites (along with the famed “Evangelho” vineyard), known for its deep, well-drained sandy soils and hot, arid climate.

Massively concentrated, blue/black in color and bursting with saturated fruit, this wine is nevertheless surprisingly agile, balancing its alcohol with well-preserved acidity. Aromas/flavors of blackberry compote, boysenberry, espresso, leather, and warm spice. It coats the palate without feeling syrupy—a feat made possible by old, low-production vines. Best paired with BBQ or a seared duck breast with a well-reduced sauce.