Three Wine Company was founded in 2006 by Matt and Erin Cline. Matt is the winemaker and had previously founded Cline Cellars where he was the winemaker until 2001. Erin is the President of Zinfandel Advocates & Producers (ZAP). Three Wine Company specializes in Zinfandel, Carignane, and Mataro from Contra Costa County.
The winery recently sent me samples of some new releases.
2017 Three Wine Company Mataro Spinelli Contra Costa County – Ruby red in color. 15.2% ABV. 85% Mataro, 10% Black Malvoisie and 5% Petite Sirah. From a vineyard planted in the 1880’s. Stunning nose of red fruits, citrus and roasted herbs. Medium body with perfect acidity. Crisp and fresh with tart fruits. Cherry, strawberry, blood orange and earth on the palate. The finish is long and supple. Delicious, well made and ready to drink. Best over the next several years. $36 at the winery and retail. My rating: 92 points.
2018 Three Wine Company Zinfandel Live Oak Contra Costa County – Crimson in color. 15% ABV. 82% Zinfandel, 12% Petite Sirah and 6% Carigane. From vines planted in 1885. Sublime nose of red fruits, anise and white pepper. Medium body with medium acidity. Well balanced with rustic fruits that come alive with time in the glass. Black cherry, raspberry, earth and pepper on the palate. Tremendous length on the finish. Claret style Zinfandel with the structure and concentration that bodes well. Best over the next 3-5 years. $40 at the winery and retail. My rating: 93 points.
2018 Three Wine Company Carignane Bigelow Contra Costa County – Purple in color. 15.1% ABV. Carignane with a small amount of Petite Sirah. From a vineyard dating back 130 years. Killer nose of red and black fruits, plums, licorice and eucalyptus. Full bodied with mouth watering acidity. Lush and concentrated. Impeccably balanced. Blackberry liqueur, raspberry compote, roasted herbs and pepper on the palate. Exceptional length on the finish. The best Carignane I have had in recent memory. This will age beautifully. Best over the next 5-7 years. $38 at the winery and retail. My rating: 95 points.
Outstanding wines from historic vineyards at compelling prices. There is much to like here and I look forward to following the winery in the years to come.