Slacker Wanna Be Red Wine Paso Robles 2022

Slacker Wines is the second project by Paso Robles legend Matt Trevisan of Linne Calodo. For many winemakers, a second label is an opportunity to explore new philosophies, different styles and techniques or a chance to color outside the lines of their established brands. Despite all of these things coming to fruition with Slacker, in Matt’s case, he has no grand scheme or mission behind the craft. While he employs the same thorough and rigorous standards to these wines as he does to Linne Calodo, the only goal in sight is approachability. In describing Slacker, Matt says, “Whatever. It’s wine. Just enjoy it.”

After launching Linne Calodo in 1998, Matt pioneered Rhône-style blends in Paso Robles and has been hands-on in the vines and the cellar. Matt is well-versed in the terroir of his two estate vineyards in the Willow Creek District. He prides himself on a self-named strategy of “native positive farming” that places natural solutions and manual labor above machinery and chemicals. The Trevi Ranch and Linne Calodo vineyards are just shy of 12 miles from the Pacific Coast and run along the Santa Lucia Mountains. Willow Creek District benefits from both the warming effects of the mountain range trapping heat and the cooling effects of the ocean breeze at night. Unlike other Paso Robles sub-AVAs, the area experiences significant rainfall (30+ inches a year) and occasional winter frosts that mimic all four seasons.

The 2022 Wanna Be blend came to life by happenstance when Matt had a few leftover barrels of Zinfandel, full of potential, but in his words, “they just needed some friends.” Carignane (22%) and Syrah (8%) play the Zinfandel's (70%) supporting roles. Vibrant pomegranate and cherry syrup aromas embrace more delicate notes of rose petals and dried sage. The palate opens with juicy, red fruit flavors of raspberry and develops into layers of vanilla and ground coffee with a spicy finish of black pepper. In our opinion, this is an outstanding food wine and makes an excellent partner-in-crime for pizza night. However, we’ll caution you not to think too hard about when to pop this bottle. Remember, “It’s wine; just enjoy it!”