Tasting Notes for Mattucci Winemaker Event, 1/10/14

NCWC WINEMAKER EVENT WITH MATTUCCI WINERY 1/10/14

MATTUCCI BRUNO’S BLEND 2011
We lead off with this blend of 35% Merlot, 23.5% Cabernet Franc, 17.5% Syrah, 12% Petite Verdot and 12% Malbec. The rich and vibrant fruit includes raspberries, blueberries, and ripe plums. Dusty tannins and spicy notes add interest, along with hints of minerality and licorice, leading to a nice, long finish. $19.97

MATTUCCI THE THIEF 2011
Also from Paso Robles fruit, specifically West Side, this is a classic Bordeaux-style blend, with 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 16% Merlot, 6% Cabernet Franc, and 3% Malbec. Ripe blackberry and crème de cassis carry a light smoky note on the nose. On the palate firm tannins frame the dark fruit nicely, leading to a long, drying finish. $25.97

MATTUCCI WINEWDO 2010
This is a Paso Robles blend of 40% Syrah, 40% Merlot, and 20% Cabernet Franc. Its name is short for “wine widow,” which is what Paul’s wife calls herself during harvest season, when he spends more time with the grapes that with her! Aromas include dark cherry, plum, chocolate and a subtle coffee note. It gushes ripe red fruit on the palate, with vanilla and cocoa powder, along with dusty tannins adding grip. $21.97

MATTUCCI CONJUGAL UNION 2010
This one is called “Conjugal Union” because Paul sees it as a perfect example of a wine that is greater than the sum of its parts. Another Paso blend, this is 40% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah, and 20% Cabernet Franc. Black and blue fruits on the nose, along with a light savory note, precede equally dark, concentrated fruit on the palate. Firm tannins linger and turn dry on the finish. $21.97

MATTUCCI PETITE SIRAH 2010
From Dry Creek in Sonoma Valley, this 100% Petite Sirah is dark, plush, and ripe, with black cherry and blackberry fruit accented by vanilla, plus notes of minerals, herbs, lavender and violet. $19.97

MATTUCCI PRIMITIVO 2010
Primitivo is an Italian clone of Zinfandel. This one, from Paso Robles, shows polished tannins with flavors of ripe black cherries and blackberry fruit augmented by nuances of raspberry, cocoa, and toasty oak leading to a long, balanced finish. $22.97