Thomas Coyne Winery- Livermore, CA

I've never been a great writer. I was always the type of person to procrastinate when it came to writing assignments in High School and College. I don't know what it is- some people are born to write while others need extra time to put their thoughts together- whether it's in a verbal conversation or on paper. Anyways, this writing struggle is either going to make or break this blog. Hopefully I'm patient enough and people find enough of value here to spur me on and keep me contributing to the blog. We will soon find out.

Now back to the reason I'm writing today's blog- Thomas Coyne Winery in Livermore Valley, California. For those who have never been out to the west coast to do wine tasting, Livermore may be a bit more of an unknown destination for fine wines to you. But history will tell us that Livermore has played an important role in the wine industry here. It is one of the oldest wine growing regions in the US dating back to the 19th century. I read somewhere that Italian settlers grew the first planting of Primativo in Livermore. Primativo is a close cousin to the Zinfandel grape which is the number one grape varietal in California. Livermore is famous for many other vine varietals and has a long growing season conducive to big reds like Cabs and Petite Syrah to white varietals, and some deserts wines. What I love about Livermore vs other areas in Caifornia is how relaxed the atmosphere is. Located 20 Miles North East of San Jose and about 30 Miles east of San Francisco, it doesn't have that stuffy pretentious atmosphere that Napa and Sonoma have. Many of the wineries here are smaller scale, family run and aren't owned by the big conglomerates. Also, the wine here on a value scale is incredible. This includes Thomas Coyne Wines.

The weather driving up was crappy, we've been living through 3 days of constant rain, so much so that I will likely need to drain my pool as the water level is above my skimmer :) and temps in the upper 40's to 50's. I'm new to California, so they say this is as bad as it gets. The winery itself is located just off of Hwy 84 on the right side of Vallecitos Rd just past Fenestra winery (will review that one next time). First thing you'll note when you turn in and drive up the gravel road (today a muddy gravel road) is that the owner has a sense of humor. The road is dotted with signs warning you this isn't a freeway and his version of the bed and breakfast (below)

After about a 1/4 Mile you come to the winery production area and the tasting room. The tasting room is an old farmhouse.

So how was the wine?

Today was the wineries Winter open house so EVERYTHING was available for tasting! The last time I visited Thomas Coyne (Last weekend) they were tasting their Rhone style blends so today I tried a few of the others.

2009 Zinfandel, Lodi - $12.00.  (Released - August 2010) (Very Limited)
Winemakers tasting notes:
This Zinfandel comes from a vineyard planted in the early 1970’s. It produces a very fruit forward strawberry, reaspberry character. The wine was blended with small amounts of Early Burgundy and Petite Sirah to enhance the color and was aged in French Oak for ten months
My notes:
A big, but young Zin. This is very fruit forward and not yet integrated. Can definitely taste the strawberry. Needs time.

2006 Chateau Bellevue Syrah Estate Reserve - $28.00 Gold Medal - Orange County Fair
Winemakers tasting notes:
This Syrah was grown on Detjens Farms and after crush and barrel aded in new American and Hungarian oak barrels. The wine denotes beautiful flavors of berry and vanilla. Limited Production.
My notes: Yummo. You'll quickly realized Syrah (Shiraz) is my favorite varietal. This is a big chewy wine that will be a killer in a couple of years

2009? Vino Tinto Barato $6.50 - 50 Cases Total
Winemakers tasting notes:
None. The blend is a secret, and was part of their "Bottle your own promotion". I bought 6 bottles. How couldn't you!
My notes: A great blend of European varietals (my guess). They are definitely using some Portuguese varietals in there. This inky red would be a great everyday drinker (The price is certainly right!). Good with pasta with marinara sauce

2003 Syrah, Livermore Valley Detjens Farms - $14.00 Bronze Medal - El Dorado Fair
Winemakers tasting notes:
This Syrah, grown on Detjens Farms, was crushed, pressed and barrel-aged for eighteen months in French and American oak, producing a wine with big blackberry, earthy features.
My notes: Stay tuned. I will post a review on this wine separately. Note: this was on clearance for $84/case- YES THAT'S $7 per bottle. Huge value, very limited supply. I bought 2 cases.

Winery Rating: 4 Stars- Will go back
Tasting Fees: None (Free)

Winery Details:
Thomas Coyne Winery
51 East Vallecitos Rd, Livermore, CA 94550
925 373-6541
Tasting room open Saturday and Sunday Noon to 5PM
http://www.thomascoynewinery.com/