Profile: Who, what is "Linne Calodo"? It's not the
name of a person, but a geologic term to describe the
stratified calcareous and sandstone soils endemic to
the Adelaida hills where the vineyards are found. Here
is an instance were terroir come into play in a great
way. To make them as handcrafted as possible, Matt Trevisan
(Wild Horse) and Justin Smith (James Berry vineyard)
crop the vines to a max, reducing yields to 1.5 ton
per acre or less. Then nature, with its cool microclimate,
and time take over. It's finished with the home-making
production and on to real things for these partners.
And yes, those labels, we are assured, are simply artwork
and do not depict anything in particular
1999
Willow Red Varietal/Style: 50% Grenache,
25% Mourvèdre, 20% Zinfandel Origin: Paso Robles, CA
Vintage: 1999 Winemaker: Matt Trevisan/Justin Smith Rating:13/20 Retail Price: $22
Tasting
Notes:
More a food wine than a
drinking wine. This rich, deep ruby, chewy beverage will fill
your glass and your belly with the good tannins. Lots of crushed
black fruits flavors emanate through this brawny juice and
translate into a lingering, slightly tart, plummy finish.
Some youthful astringency should dissipate with age. A different
wine at decent price. (Date tasted 03/17/02)