Sunce Winery & Vineyard, Cuvée de José 2014, North Coast, California

Tasting Note: Ever had a red-zinfandel and barbera blend?

Me either (until today), but your first experience will make you want more.

Deep-intensity ruby in color, this wine has an aromatic, medium-plus-intensity nose of black plum, boysenberry, red currant, red cherry, violet blossom and raspberry puree.

On the palate the dry, full-bodied red blend delivers ripe red-and-black-fruit flavors suggested on the nose supported by medium acidity and ripe, medium-plus-tannin.

The wine is smooth in texture with the zinfandel providing the ripe fruit and the barbera providing the red-fruit aromatics and acidity bump.

There are notes of midpalate complexity and harmony between the two grapes.

A rare red blend to try again.

Bottle Note: 50% Zinfandel. 50% Barbera. Sunce is a family winery located in the Russian River Valley appellation of Sonoma County – specializing in small artisan lots of vineyards designated varietal wines and classic blends. José Calderon selected his favorite mystery barrels of barbera and zinfandel to make this special blend. Only José knows the secret blend. José has been the Assistant Winemaker at Sunce since 2003. He is from Morelia, Michocan Mexico where he studied engineering at Universidad Michoacana de San Nicolas de Hidalgo. José, a single father, has worked tirelessly to provide an education for his two daughters, Cindy and Christian, and his son, Carlos. In 2005 Jose became a United States citizen. In 2012 Cindy graduated with a BA in history from Sacramento State and is now in the process of getting here MA. José now has four grandchildren. Only 8 barrels made.