Linne Calodo Problem Child 2016 (75cl, 15.2%)

A Zinfandel-dominant red blend from Paso Robles, California, bottled at 15.2% ABV in a 750ml bottle. It is composed of 77% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 6% Mourvèdre, with the Zinfandel from dry-farmed vines at Heaton Ranch on a western-facing slope in the Willow Creek District AVA. The fruit was fermented on skins for 22 days, then aged in 500-litre American oak puncheons and 265-litre barriques. The nose shows smoked cherry cobbler, plum skin, boysenberry and cigar leaf, with black pepper and cocoa bean. The palate brings wild black raspberry, late-summer tomato, bright red fruit, roasted fennel and dark plum, with gentle tannins. The finish is medium-long with cocoa, pepper spice, subtle smokiness and bright acidity.