The website will tell you “Labyrinth Wines are dedicated to making bold wines to enhance your life” and that is pretty accurate. Doesn’t all wine enhance your life?
Winemaker and Owner Rick Hill founded Labyrinth in 2000 and released his first wine from fruit sourced from Bien Nacido Vineyard from the Santa Maria Valley.
In 2002 he teamed up his future wife Lane Tanner to produce their first vintage release of Pinot Noir from the Yarra Valley in Australia.
Petite Sirah 2019
The original varietal name for this is Durif discovered in Franch in the 1880. It is an unintended cross between Syrah and Peloursin. Oddly enough Australia and California are the biggest producers.
The nose is brooding smoky aromas of blueberries, plums, and spices. This is definitely California Petite Sirah.
The palate is bold and brassy with loads of dark fruits and spices dominating with blueberries, plums, and a hint of dark chocolate. Tannins are evident and some decanting is needed to get the best out of this wine: 2 – 3 hours. Keep in mind this already has 5 years under the belt.
Cellaring out to 2030 will show rewards.
Pairings should include your favorite red meat dishes.
The nose is brooding smoky aromas of blueberries, plums, and spices. This is definitely California Petite Sirah.
The palate is bold and brassy with loads of dark fruits and spices dominating with blueberries, plums, and a hint of dark chocolate. Tannins are evident and some decanting is needed to get the best out of this wine: 2 – 3 hours. Keep in mind this already has 5 years under the belt.
Cellaring out to 2030 will show rewards.
Pairings should include your favorite red meat dishes.
Zinfandel 2018
The nose has aromas of black and blue fruits with hints of raisins and black currents.
The palate is bold, silky smooth and appealing with some restrained attitude. I did give it a few hours decanting which definitely benefited. Layers of blueberries, blackberries, and plums with secondary notes of dark chocolate and spices. Impressive balance which successfully masks the 15.6% ALC.
This has 6 years under the belt already, this will cellar out to 2028 with confidence.
Another great argument for not putting the grill away just yet. This will pair well with just about anything from the grill, or your favorite red meat dish.
Vine to Table 