Aromatically, I get rich cherry and blackberry, a nice earthy component to offset this, a touch of leather and a touch of tobacco. In the palate, I get black fruits, cherry cola, a touch of menthol, a hint or licorice and some wonderful acidity. The tannins are fine but noticeable.
Specs
Vintage: 2012
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Blend: 38% Syrah, 31% Grenache, 31% Mourvedre
Alcohol: 14.7%
pH: 3.65
T.A.: 6.1 g/liter
RS: None
2013 Viognier, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
This is not your typical California viognier! This is not overly ripe, does not come across as ‘sweet’ whatsoever. On the nose, I am getting a slight floral character (but not overblown), honeysuckle, lemon verbena, a slight herbaceousness and a touch of lime. The palate is quite lively, with refreshing stone fruit and citrus notes, crisp acidity and a medium body. It’s crisp enough to have on its own, but not so crisp that anyone will find it too acidic. Enjoy now or lay it down for a few more years - seriously . . .
Specs
Vintage: 2013
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Vineyard: White Hawk, just north of Los Alamos
Alcohol: 13.5%
pH: 3.55
TA: 6.4 g/l
RS: None
2018 Aberration, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
This is going to be my wine of choice for Thanksgiving - hands down. And this is the most ‘crushable’ wine that I produce! This reminds me so much of a gamay or Beaujolais without the awkward ‘banana’ notes often associated with the latter. Aromatically, there is a crazy brambly just picked raspberry quality that takes center stage, even when served slightly chilled as I prefer it, with some background herbal and smoky notes to help balance out the fruit. On the palate, you’re going to probably get bright raspberry notes, light but noticeable tannins, and a bright, fresh finish. Enjoy on its own slightly chilled or as a starter and throughout your Turkey Day festivities - or any holiday for that matter!
Specs
Vintage: 2018
Appellation: Santa Barbara County
Alcohol: 12.0%
Blend: 40% Cinsault, 40% Grenache, 20% Carignane
Winemaking: Each lot was foot stomped by Larry, fermented 100% whole cluster after foot stomping, then pressed and aged entirely in stainless steel (zero oak) for 4 months
Winery: tercero wines
Owners: Larry Schaffer
Location: Los Olivos, CA
Larry Schaffer IS tercero wines. He founded the label as a ‘micro-winery’ in 2006 shortly after graduating from UC Davis with a MS in Viticulture and Enology. He went back to school to get this degree after having spent years and years in both the music and publishing industries. He realized that there had to be more, and he wanted to challenge himself since he was ‘scared’ of science his first go-around in college. He overcame this ‘fear’ and excelled in school, eventually landing a job as part of the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery, where he remained for 7 vintages.
Rhone Varieties
Larry is a ‘champion’ of Rhone varieties – 22 varieties that are most commonly associated with the Rhone Valley in France. Some of these are well known in this country – Syrah, Grenache, Viognier – while others like Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre, Cinsaut and plenty more are not. He serves on the national board of directors for the Rhone Rangers, an ‘advocacy group’ that aims to educate consumers on these varieties, as well as serving as the President of the Santa Barbara County chapter.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
@deneed4spd starting with a little Blantons to go with the salted dark chocolate chip cookies with McCallans that I made yesterday! And you can’t beat the price on THIS case, my friend!!!
@rjquillin woo hoo! I’m almost out of the 13 Vio and it really is singing. And the 12 Verbiage Rouge is almost gone as well - better lock it in and stock up!!!
@rjquillin Tercero at this price? How could I not?! I just bought a half case from Larry two weeks ago, too.
I’d happily trade the Verbiage for either of the other two…I’ve got some already.
@TechnoViking I love a good viognier, I’ll go threesies, but I don’t have room to split a case in half. I don’t really have room for the other case we split lol!
@rjquillin I was a financial analyst with WEA in Burbank. I dig music but I really wanted to get into the A&R/marketing side. Working as a number cruncher was, for me, like going to work for Ben and Jerry’s and loving ice cream and never being able to taste any! What did you do and who did you work for?
@tercerowines A couple of independent sound/lighting companies in San Diego, part owner in one of them, doing local venues, arenas, fairgrounds and clubs. Later for a studio that also did remote recording gigs and got into manufacturing house consoles. They got into financial trouble and didn’t finish a couple, so I ended up moving near San Fernando (Day Five Management, Seals & Crofts) and finished building them. Later toured with them for a few years all over the states. After I moved back to SD, opened a repair facility doing service for studios and musical gear.
@rjquillin love it! Went to Belly Up a few times for shows - but I was hanging out in Hollywood back in the day, going to the Whiskey, Roxy, Starwood, Hollywood Palladium, Madame Wongs, etc . . .
@tercerowines Know it well. The guy that installed the sound system there and mixed worked for me for years. Ever meet the owner Dave?
Ever go to Funky Quarters?
@rjquillin
closures you say?!?!?! As you may or may not know, I’ve been 100% screwcap since I started releasing my wines with my 2006 offerings. I use a tin lined cap for my whites and rose and a saranex lined cap for my reds to allow for a little more ‘breathing’. Though the viognier is drinking wonderfully now, I wouldn’t fret about holding it for another 3-5 years. The aberration is a bit of an unknown because it really is a ‘different’ wine. That said, I’ve had a bottle open for 2-3 days without much degradation. Again, I think you’re safe for 3-5 years but for freshness, the sooner the better. The 2012 Verbiage is drinking absolutely wonderfully now - full of verve and strength. Still drinking wonderfully on Day 2 and not much degradation on day 3. 5-10 more years is a safe bet - but why wait? Drink em know and restock! Hope that helps . . .
I was just wondering when we were going to see an offer from you Larry? Really dig all of your whites I have had, not sure I have had a red. Might be time for a case.
@ern1 Thanks, my friend. As I said, the Viognier is really in a great place. My whites tend to stay somewhat ‘backwards’ for quite some time - but this one is wide open now. The both the reds are really interesting to drink and share!
@Winedavid49 Is this before thanksgiving still happening? doing my thanksgiving dinner shopping this weekend and taking stock of beverages. right now it says Monday, December 9th - Wednesday, December 11th for estimated delivery.
@tercerowines@Winedavid49 label created Thursday per FedEx, still hasn’t shipped. Fingers crossed here. Hoping to bring the splits out to our casematers in Vegas before thanksgiving.
I snagged my case Larry happy to support a Berserker!
Folks, I have not had a ton, but all the whites of Larry’s I have had have been 4-6 years old…and all super fresh. He is right, this isnt some flabby, heavy California Viognier. Dont think twice about 6 year old Viognier.
@tercerowines I have zero doubts that we will enjoy them all. Really interested in Aberration. I can tell by way you talk about it that its a wine that really gets you excited. Cheers!
How are the 2009 Tercero Grenache Blanc Camp 4 Vineyard and 2009 Tercero Grenache/Mourvedre Rosé bottlings holding up? Didn’t realize I still had a bottle of the Rosé. An old Woot from 9/23/2011.
@rjquillin That 09 Grenache Blanc is still singing - though it will have a noticeable ‘petrol’ aroma similar to an aged riesling. I have not had that 09 Rose in quite some time - but I say sooner rather than later!!!
Big Tercero fan and supporter. Larry is a great host every time we visit Los Olivos. In for a case and not sharing. The Aberration is delicious!
Quick question: I’ve always had a great experience with your whites until last weekend. We opened a bottle of the 14 Outlier (or was it 13) and it was a bit “heavy” for a Tercero white. Was lacking the acidity I associate with your whites. Is it over the hill?
@losthighwayz great question - and thanks for the kind words. What did the color look like on the wine? If it was a deeper hue, I might be worried about a touch of ‘oxidation’. Did you notice anything like that? If not, that specific wine is still drinking wonderfully - and I find it no where near its peak . . . Glad I still have about 15 cases to hoard - and sell!
@losthighwayz hmmmm. Do you have any other bottles left? How did it smell? Like it always had - gewurz like with honeysuckle, flowers, lychee - or something else?
@tercerowines I was bummed because I save your wines for special occasions and we brought the bottle to pair with an arugula salad with a guava balsamic dressing, ahi tuna tostada, and lengua tacos at our favorite local restaurant
@losthighwayz Still uncertain with the ‘issue’ may be - but if the bottle was ‘sound’, it should have been okay. Reach out to me offline and I’ll make sure to get you another bottle when you visit my tasting room next. Okay?
I should not be buying anything. Still getting invoices for the 2 bathroom remodels. But with. Great winery participation and everyone’s excitement over this, I had to purchase. In for a 3 pack
/giphy angelic-elevated-team
Once again I thank the Casemate Gods for honoring me with the title “rat”. I’m truly humbled.
On to the wine. First of all, I’m an Overextracted, Oak Monster Red drinker. So sending me a…Rosé…no, not a Rosé, a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan from Santa Barbera, done in Stainless Steel with a classy looking bottle, amazing color (note that the bottle is clear, so you can see that the wine does have some opacity), 12% alcohol and a screw top.
Mercy…a screw top? Yes, easy open, no possibility of cork problems and I think I’m on the same wavelenght as Larry, the guy who made this wine. Correct me if I’m wrong, but we’re hoping for an easy drinking wine for people who just can’t do the Dry Rose thing and want more flavor and a more interesting wine. There is loads of information on the back of the bottle, including a suggestion to drink this wine “slightly chilled”. I don’t buy it. I twisted off the cap at North Country room temp., 66F, and poured a small portion into a Casemates glass. Again, I love that color. I swirled the glass and inhaled the vapors…delicious fruit red (strawberry), blue and maybe a little tropical fruit somewhat candied, but that’s ok (We live in Hard Cider country, and SWMBO says the nose is like cider). The taste also carries over the same fruitiness, which saves it from being bone dry. I suspect that the rs is very low, but it’s hard to tell. A plus for me is that it doesn’t have a crisp finish, but the fruits linger for a short while. Where would I drink this wine? In the summer, out by the pool would be perfect. But I think it has enough acid (certainly not “flabby”) to go with some spicy Thai…oh yeah. This might be the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner wine that would cover all the bases! OK, now for the bottom line. Who would drink this? I’m thinking you’re not going to win over White Wine drinkers or Sweet Wine drinkers, but those who like Reds or who like a variety might enjoy this wine. Would I buy it, and at what price? Yes, although this is not my usual go-to wine style, I wouldn’t mind having some of this around…it has its time and place. And, I would hope that even though this is a fairly unique offering, that the Wine Gods got an excellent deal on it, and will pass that deal along to us. I’m hoping for under $15/bottle.
By the way…2nd night, just like the first. Also, I’ve changed my mind. Listen carefully: “This is a red wine for white wine drinkers!” And considering my lack of experience with white wines…this might be a Very Good one.
@FritzCat Thanks for the rattage - and I certainly like your style, my friend! There is no RS in this wine - but it is fruit forward, especially at room temperature, making it seem like there might be a little bit. I too dig the color - unlike any other wine I’ve ever seen. Cheers!
@tercerowines Thank you. It’s good to have winemakers like yourself on Casemates. We all appreciate your participation and the excellent and unique wines you make available to us.
93 Points
Tercero 2012 Verbiage Red (Santa Barbara County)
Winemaker Larry Schaffer has been very patient with this blend of 38% Syrah, 31% Grenache and 31% Mourvèdre, and it pays off. Dense aromas of black-currant syrup, packed violets, vanilla, baking spice and caramel show on the nose, and the palate brings further cohesion to those elements. Flavors of black plum, blackberry and dried herbs ride grippy, tense tannins. MK
5/1/18
90 Points
Tercero 2018 Aberration Red (Santa Barbara County)
Winemaker Larry Schaffer recommends this blend of 40% Cinsault, 40% Grenache and 20% Carignane be served with a chill, which better presents the fresh, gluggable flavors of watermelon, beet juice and damp earth. The palate carries the ball forward with red apple and jujube flavors, wrapped in bright acidity. MK 9/1/19
This time I missed the delivery so I had to run down the local UPS in a hurry to make sure we had the bottle in time to do our Rattage duty.
After resting a day in the fridge we opened the screw cap and noticed a bit of age on the nose, not in a bad way. After getting over that we got a bit of lemon and tart pineapple(?) probably more of a green apple the wife said after she made me smell a pineapple : )
On the pallet, we got good acid with a well-rounded mouthfeel but nothing crazy complex but a daily drinker. This wine will go well with food.
I would hope this wine would be on the site for $10-12
Good Morning, Casemates Community! I’m up and about and will be on here most of the morning, answering questions and trying to entice you to take part in this special offer!!!
I’ve got an event this evening about 3 hours away from where I live, so I will be not as readily available later - but heck, I have a phone and will try to make myself as available as possible to try to add color commentary and ease your fears.
This site really is unique in that it provides the winery / winemaker the opportunity to interact with the community - and I dig it! I just wish other wineries / winemakers understood how special this truly is!!!
@radiolysis yep, it’s easy to follow me on Facebook (tercerowines) or on IG, where I post often. Where do you live?!?!? I am doing lots of events in the next few weeks . . .
@tercerowines San Diego. What with the holidays and work travel plans i’m a bit booked until February or so. I’ll make sure to start keeping my eye out come January.
@radiolysis I am trying my best to get myself down there to pour at 3rd Corner and the Wine Vault, among others. If you have suggestions, I am all ears!!!
@radiolysis@tercerowines Larry, we’d love to see you at Akasha or something else in West LA/Culver City. If you make veggie/fish options available I’d even bet time2testit and redhead11 would join in, too. The restaurant above Wine House could be another option, and you’ve sold your wine there before, too.
Crickets!!! Not used to it being this quiet around here . . . No questions? No love from the Pacific Northwest yet? Come on folks - let’s have some fun!!!
I appreciate the winery input. I always want to purchase when it is this thorough (and the wines sound great!), but can’t really jump on the case. Anyone in CMH get a case and be willing to part with 3? I’ve never had a tercero wine, and I feel that should be remedied.
I have a case of WS Norton, Metz Road Pinot, and Onesta Cinsaut delivered or en route if any of those bottles strike your fancy for trading. Of course, always can provide cash.
@tercerowines@TimW He couldn’t have shared with me anyway. Not entirely sure where he is at but Metz Road was no ship to Ohio (bringing back from relatives this holiday) and I actually got an entire case of Norton from WS, directly, versus the mix that was recently offered.
Trying my best to entice a case purchaser to part. If nothing happens later, I will likely grab the 3 pack. Appreciate all your contributions.
@weg613 I hope so! My son is just starting at Northeastern this year so I plan on being back there on a regular basis over the next 4 - or 5 - years!!!
I really enjoy your wines. I visited the tasting room a couple of years ago and have ordered from you in the recent past. Had a bottle of Verbiage Blanc a few weeks ago with swordfish, a few days later, Aberration with some grilled salmon, and a week or so after that, Mourvedre with lamb stew. They were all delicious.
Anybody up for a MN Twin Cities split? My closet is chock full, garage full of shipping boxes waiting to go to a local retailer, and SWMBO must not hear of another case arriving… but I want in!
I’m heading onto an tasting that lasts from 6-10 PM PST so I won’t be able to answer any questions / reply at that time. So if you DO have any questions, get em to me sooner rather than later.
And thanks for all of the support and kind words, my friends - truly appreciated!
First class wines from a first class dude. I especially like the Viognier. It’s a varietal that often gets overlooked for depth or complexity, but Larry does a great job with it.
2012 Verbiage Rouge, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
93 Points, Wine Enthusiast
Specs
2013 Viognier, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
Specs
2018 Aberration, Santa Barbara County
Tasting Notes
Specs
Included in the Box
Price Comparison
$470/case at tercero wines (including shipping)
About The Winery
Winery: tercero wines
Owners: Larry Schaffer
Location: Los Olivos, CA
Larry Schaffer IS tercero wines. He founded the label as a ‘micro-winery’ in 2006 shortly after graduating from UC Davis with a MS in Viticulture and Enology. He went back to school to get this degree after having spent years and years in both the music and publishing industries. He realized that there had to be more, and he wanted to challenge himself since he was ‘scared’ of science his first go-around in college. He overcame this ‘fear’ and excelled in school, eventually landing a job as part of the winemaking team at Fess Parker Winery, where he remained for 7 vintages.
Rhone Varieties
Larry is a ‘champion’ of Rhone varieties – 22 varieties that are most commonly associated with the Rhone Valley in France. Some of these are well known in this country – Syrah, Grenache, Viognier – while others like Marsanne, Grenache Blanc, Mourvedre, Cinsaut and plenty more are not. He serves on the national board of directors for the Rhone Rangers, an ‘advocacy group’ that aims to educate consumers on these varieties, as well as serving as the President of the Santa Barbara County chapter.
Available States
AZ, CA, CO, CT, DC, FL, GA, ID, IN, IA, KS, LA, ME, MD, MA, MI, MN, MO, MT, NE, NV, NJ, NM, NY, NC, ND, OH, OR, PA, RI, SC, SD, TN, TX, VT, VA, WA, WV, WI, WY
Estimated Delivery
Thursday, December 12th - Monday, December 16th
tercero wines Mix
3 bottles for $59.99 $20/bottle + $2.67/bottle shipping
Case of 12 for $199.99 $16.67/bottle + $1/bottle shipping
2012 Verbiage Rouge
2013 Viognier
2018 Aberration
No slacking here - tercero is in the house and will be on here until I fall asleep - or until the Bourbon kicks in
@tercerowines dangit larry! Just got a case from you. Now lured in with another case! What bourbon you drinking?
@deneed4spd starting with a little Blantons to go with the salted dark chocolate chip cookies with McCallans that I made yesterday! And you can’t beat the price on THIS case, my friend!!!
@tercerowines another case to add to the multiple cases of tercero wine in cellar!! Can’t have enough!
@deneed4spd thank you!
And @winedavid, can’t we get these shipped out sooner?!?!?!?
Looks like a good mix.
I’d be in for a SoCal split for 2 each.
@klezman @radiolysis ?
@rjquillin woo hoo! I’m almost out of the 13 Vio and it really is singing. And the 12 Verbiage Rouge is almost gone as well - better lock it in and stock up!!!
@rjquillin I’ll take a three pack!
@radiolysis @rjquillin double down!!!
@rjquillin Tercero at this price? How could I not?! I just bought a half case from Larry two weeks ago, too.
I’d happily trade the Verbiage for either of the other two…I’ve got some already.
@klezman @rjquillin I’m sure you can find someone to make that happen!!!
@scenicready @Xsanityx If I can’t find a split in Las Vegas I’ll grab a 3 pack. I’ve been wanting to try some tercero wines.
@TechnoViking hopefully the others will help you out! And I hope you enjoy the wines. Ask away with any questions - the bourbon’s beginning to flow
@TechnoViking I love a good viognier, I’ll go threesies, but I don’t have room to split a case in half. I don’t really have room for the other case we split lol!
@scenicready @TechnoViking nice!!!
@scenicready sounds good! Im looking around for 1 more to take the last 3 and I’ll pull the trigger.
@scenicready @TechnoViking I’m in for the last 3.
@scenicready @XsanityX @tercerowines
Got it. Order is /neat-finite-button
Larry, what did you do in the music biz?
I was there too for a number of years back in the 60’s and 70’s.
@rjquillin I was a financial analyst with WEA in Burbank. I dig music but I really wanted to get into the A&R/marketing side. Working as a number cruncher was, for me, like going to work for Ben and Jerry’s and loving ice cream and never being able to taste any! What did you do and who did you work for?
@tercerowines A couple of independent sound/lighting companies in San Diego, part owner in one of them, doing local venues, arenas, fairgrounds and clubs. Later for a studio that also did remote recording gigs and got into manufacturing house consoles. They got into financial trouble and didn’t finish a couple, so I ended up moving near San Fernando (Day Five Management, Seals & Crofts) and finished building them. Later toured with them for a few years all over the states. After I moved back to SD, opened a repair facility doing service for studios and musical gear.
@rjquillin love it! Went to Belly Up a few times for shows - but I was hanging out in Hollywood back in the day, going to the Whiskey, Roxy, Starwood, Hollywood Palladium, Madame Wongs, etc . . .
@tercerowines Know it well. The guy that installed the sound system there and mixed worked for me for years. Ever meet the owner Dave?
Ever go to Funky Quarters?
@rjquillin Nope and nope . . .
How much more are you saving by buying a full case?
(Note: Tax & Shipping not included in savings calculations)
tercero wines Mix - $40 = 16.66%
Larry is one of the good guys. This is a great thanksgiving selection!
@Winedavid49 can we ship these out sooner for some to get it before TurkeyDay?!?!
Ok, in for a case
upbeat-occasional-juice
seems an appropriate order phrase, but nothing looks decent.
@rjquillin Thank you, my friend! And do let me know if you have any questions about any of these wines . . .
@tercerowines Talk about your closures.
And the “drinking window” for these.
@rjquillin
closures you say?!?!?! As you may or may not know, I’ve been 100% screwcap since I started releasing my wines with my 2006 offerings. I use a tin lined cap for my whites and rose and a saranex lined cap for my reds to allow for a little more ‘breathing’. Though the viognier is drinking wonderfully now, I wouldn’t fret about holding it for another 3-5 years. The aberration is a bit of an unknown because it really is a ‘different’ wine. That said, I’ve had a bottle open for 2-3 days without much degradation. Again, I think you’re safe for 3-5 years but for freshness, the sooner the better. The 2012 Verbiage is drinking absolutely wonderfully now - full of verve and strength. Still drinking wonderfully on Day 2 and not much degradation on day 3. 5-10 more years is a safe bet - but why wait? Drink em know and restock! Hope that helps . . .
I was just wondering when we were going to see an offer from you Larry? Really dig all of your whites I have had, not sure I have had a red. Might be time for a case.
@ern1 Thanks, my friend. As I said, the Viognier is really in a great place. My whites tend to stay somewhat ‘backwards’ for quite some time - but this one is wide open now. The both the reds are really interesting to drink and share!
All delivered well before thanksgiving!
I guarantee!
@Winedavid49 NICE!!!
@tercerowines @Winedavid49 Was thinking of taking a crack on my first Terceros, but that shipping date and no IL knocks me out. Maybe next time!
@Winedavid49 Is this before thanksgiving still happening? doing my thanksgiving dinner shopping this weekend and taking stock of beverages. right now it says Monday, December 9th - Wednesday, December 11th for estimated delivery.
@Winedavid49 @tercerowines UPDATE: I see that the wine has been shipped! You guys are awesome, thanks for getting these orders out so fast!
FOOLS! TOOLS! JEWELS! AWESOME!
@kray05 @Winedavid49 we all aim to please! Please post notes once you have a chance to try them - can’t wait to see what you have to say! Cheers!
@tercerowines @Winedavid49 label created Thursday per FedEx, still hasn’t shipped. Fingers crossed here. Hoping to bring the splits out to our casematers in Vegas before thanksgiving.
Echoing RJs question on drinking window for these, especially the viognier. TIA.
@hscottk answered above but let me know if you have any further specific questions . . .
I snagged my case Larry
happy to support a Berserker!
Folks, I have not had a ton, but all the whites of Larry’s I have had have been 4-6 years old…and all super fresh. He is right, this isnt some flabby, heavy California Viognier. Dont think twice about 6 year old Viognier.
@ern1 Thank you - and I really think you’ll be pleased with all of these 3!!!
@tercerowines I have zero doubts that we will enjoy them all. Really interested in Aberration. I can tell by way you talk about it that its a wine that really gets you excited. Cheers!
@ern1 @tercerowines I also
Agree with larry’s white. Awesome whites. Also enjoy many of his reds - sryah and
Climb.
OWLS! TOWELS! JOWLS! AWESOME!
How are the 2009 Tercero Grenache Blanc Camp 4 Vineyard and 2009 Tercero Grenache/Mourvedre Rosé bottlings holding up? Didn’t realize I still had a bottle of the Rosé. An old Woot from 9/23/2011.
@rjquillin That 09 Grenache Blanc is still singing - though it will have a noticeable ‘petrol’ aroma similar to an aged riesling. I have not had that 09 Rose in quite some time - but I say sooner rather than later!!!
NJ split/share, anyone? Just grabbed a case. Really looking forward to trying these.
@hscottk woo hoo! Thank you!!!
Big Tercero fan and supporter. Larry is a great host every time we visit Los Olivos. In for a case and not sharing. The Aberration is delicious!
Quick question: I’ve always had a great experience with your whites until last weekend. We opened a bottle of the 14 Outlier (or was it 13) and it was a bit “heavy” for a Tercero white. Was lacking the acidity I associate with your whites. Is it over the hill?
@losthighwayz great question - and thanks for the kind words. What did the color look like on the wine? If it was a deeper hue, I might be worried about a touch of ‘oxidation’. Did you notice anything like that? If not, that specific wine is still drinking wonderfully - and I find it no where near its peak . . . Glad I still have about 15 cases to hoard - and sell!
@tercerowines it was a golden yellow
@losthighwayz hmmmm. Do you have any other bottles left? How did it smell? Like it always had - gewurz like with honeysuckle, flowers, lychee - or something else?
@tercerowines I was bummed because I save your wines for special occasions and we brought the bottle to pair with an arugula salad with a guava balsamic dressing, ahi tuna tostada, and lengua tacos at our favorite local restaurant
@losthighwayz Still uncertain with the ‘issue’ may be - but if the bottle was ‘sound’, it should have been okay. Reach out to me offline and I’ll make sure to get you another bottle when you visit my tasting room next. Okay?
/giphy glad-disturbing-bushbaby
@losthighwayz
Wow. That is disturbing.
@losthighwayz too early to come up with anything to say about that…
@WineDavid49 solid offer! Unreal QPR imo. Appreciate the mixed case.
@losthighwayz woo hoo! Cheers!
Alright - bedtime - but I’ll be at it tomorrow morning. Keep the questions rolling. Cheers!
IOWA split?
I should not be buying anything. Still getting invoices for the 2 bathroom remodels. But with. Great winery participation and everyone’s excitement over this, I had to purchase. In for a 3 pack
/giphy angelic-elevated-team
@mommadeb I promise you won’t be disappointed. Cheers!
2018 Tercero Aberration
Once again I thank the Casemate Gods for honoring me with the title “rat”. I’m truly humbled.
On to the wine. First of all, I’m an Overextracted, Oak Monster Red drinker. So sending me a…Rosé…no, not a Rosé, a blend of Cinsault, Grenache and Carignan from Santa Barbera, done in Stainless Steel with a classy looking bottle, amazing color (note that the bottle is clear, so you can see that the wine does have some opacity), 12% alcohol and a screw top.
Mercy…a screw top? Yes, easy open, no possibility of cork problems and I think I’m on the same wavelenght as Larry, the guy who made this wine. Correct me if I’m wrong, but we’re hoping for an easy drinking wine for people who just can’t do the Dry Rose thing and want more flavor and a more interesting wine. There is loads of information on the back of the bottle, including a suggestion to drink this wine “slightly chilled”. I don’t buy it. I twisted off the cap at North Country room temp., 66F, and poured a small portion into a Casemates glass. Again, I love that color. I swirled the glass and inhaled the vapors…delicious fruit red (strawberry), blue and maybe a little tropical fruit somewhat candied, but that’s ok (We live in Hard Cider country, and SWMBO says the nose is like cider). The taste also carries over the same fruitiness, which saves it from being bone dry. I suspect that the rs is very low, but it’s hard to tell. A plus for me is that it doesn’t have a crisp finish, but the fruits linger for a short while. Where would I drink this wine? In the summer, out by the pool would be perfect. But I think it has enough acid (certainly not “flabby”) to go with some spicy Thai…oh yeah. This might be the perfect Thanksgiving or Christmas dinner wine that would cover all the bases! OK, now for the bottom line. Who would drink this? I’m thinking you’re not going to win over White Wine drinkers or Sweet Wine drinkers, but those who like Reds or who like a variety might enjoy this wine. Would I buy it, and at what price? Yes, although this is not my usual go-to wine style, I wouldn’t mind having some of this around…it has its time and place. And, I would hope that even though this is a fairly unique offering, that the Wine Gods got an excellent deal on it, and will pass that deal along to us. I’m hoping for under $15/bottle.
By the way…2nd night, just like the first. Also, I’ve changed my mind. Listen carefully: “This is a red wine for white wine drinkers!” And considering my lack of experience with white wines…this might be a Very Good one.
@FritzCat Thanks for the rattage - and I certainly like your style, my friend! There is no RS in this wine - but it is fruit forward, especially at room temperature, making it seem like there might be a little bit. I too dig the color - unlike any other wine I’ve ever seen. Cheers!
@tercerowines Thank you. It’s good to have winemakers like yourself on Casemates. We all appreciate your participation and the excellent and unique wines you make available to us.
The Wine Enthusiast on the 2012 Verbiage:
93 Points
Tercero 2012 Verbiage Red (Santa Barbara County)
Winemaker Larry Schaffer has been very patient with this blend of 38% Syrah, 31% Grenache and 31% Mourvèdre, and it pays off. Dense aromas of black-currant syrup, packed violets, vanilla, baking spice and caramel show on the nose, and the palate brings further cohesion to those elements. Flavors of black plum, blackberry and dried herbs ride grippy, tense tannins. MK
5/1/18
@kaolis Yep, the review is only about 18 months old, and it certainly holds true. Hopefully we’ll see some rattage on this one as well . . .
And Wine Enthusiast on the 2018 Aberration:
90 Points
Tercero 2018 Aberration Red (Santa Barbara County)
Winemaker Larry Schaffer recommends this blend of 40% Cinsault, 40% Grenache and 20% Carignane be served with a chill, which better presents the fresh, gluggable flavors of watermelon, beet juice and damp earth. The palate carries the ball forward with red apple and jujube flavors, wrapped in bright acidity. MK 9/1/19
https://www.winemag.com/buying-guide/tercero-2012-verbiage-red-santa-barbara-county/
fwiw
Excited to be a Rat again!
2013 Viognier, Santa Barbara County
This time I missed the delivery so I had to run down the local UPS in a hurry to make sure we had the bottle in time to do our Rattage duty.
After resting a day in the fridge we opened the screw cap and noticed a bit of age on the nose, not in a bad way. After getting over that we got a bit of lemon and tart pineapple(?) probably more of a green apple the wife said after she made me smell a pineapple : )
On the pallet, we got good acid with a well-rounded mouthfeel but nothing crazy complex but a daily drinker. This wine will go well with food.
I would hope this wine would be on the site for $10-12
Good Morning, Casemates Community! I’m up and about and will be on here most of the morning, answering questions and trying to entice you to take part in this special offer!!!
I’ve got an event this evening about 3 hours away from where I live, so I will be not as readily available later - but heck, I have a phone and will try to make myself as available as possible to try to add color commentary and ease your fears.
This site really is unique in that it provides the winery / winemaker the opportunity to interact with the community - and I dig it! I just wish other wineries / winemakers understood how special this truly is!!!
@tercerowines i really need to follow along on Facebook and attend one of your winemaker dinners… Maybe that’s my new year’s resolution.
@radiolysis yep, it’s easy to follow me on Facebook (tercerowines) or on IG, where I post often. Where do you live?!?!? I am doing lots of events in the next few weeks . . .
@tercerowines San Diego. What with the holidays and work travel plans i’m a bit booked until February or so. I’ll make sure to start keeping my eye out come January.
@radiolysis I am trying my best to get myself down there to pour at 3rd Corner and the Wine Vault, among others. If you have suggestions, I am all ears!!!
@radiolysis @tercerowines Larry, we’d love to see you at Akasha or something else in West LA/Culver City. If you make veggie/fish options available I’d even bet time2testit and redhead11 would join in, too. The restaurant above Wine House could be another option, and you’ve sold your wine there before, too.
Crickets!!! Not used to it being this quiet around here . . . No questions? No love from the Pacific Northwest yet? Come on folks - let’s have some fun!!!
@tercerowines 76 comments already! Seems pretty good to me. I’m ordering a 3 pack in PDX, thanks for offering this great deal!
I appreciate the winery input. I always want to purchase when it is this thorough (and the wines sound great!), but can’t really jump on the case. Anyone in CMH get a case and be willing to part with 3? I’ve never had a tercero wine, and I feel that should be remedied.
I have a case of WS Norton, Metz Road Pinot, and Onesta Cinsaut delivered or en route if any of those bottles strike your fancy for trading. Of course, always can provide cash.
@KNmeh7 come on folks - help @KNmeh7 out!!!
@KNmeh7 Ha…I have cases of those same 3, yet to be delivered!
@KNmeh7 @TimW But not mine
@tercerowines @TimW He couldn’t have shared with me anyway. Not entirely sure where he is at but Metz Road was no ship to Ohio (bringing back from relatives this holiday) and I actually got an entire case of Norton from WS, directly, versus the mix that was recently offered.
Trying my best to entice a case purchaser to part. If nothing happens later, I will likely grab the 3 pack. Appreciate all your contributions.
@tercerowines
Thankfully, @drhellknow, offered part with 3. Looking forward to trying your wine. Good people on Casemates.
Boston split, anyone?
@weg613 I hope so! My son is just starting at Northeastern this year so I plan on being back there on a regular basis over the next 4 - or 5 - years!!!
I really enjoy your wines. I visited the tasting room a couple of years ago and have ordered from you in the recent past. Had a bottle of Verbiage Blanc a few weeks ago with swordfish, a few days later, Aberration with some grilled salmon, and a week or so after that, Mourvedre with lamb stew. They were all delicious.
@weg613 Thank you, my friend! Which vintages of aberration and Mourvedre? Cheers!
@tercerowines 2018 Aberration and I think that the Mourvedre was a 2012.
Anybody up for a MN Twin Cities split? My closet is chock full, garage full of shipping boxes waiting to go to a local retailer, and SWMBO must not hear of another case arriving… but I want in!
/giphy laughable-sick-pepperoni
/giphy visible-aquatic-saffron
@chrismartin ummmmmmm
I’m heading onto an tasting that lasts from 6-10 PM PST so I won’t be able to answer any questions / reply at that time. So if you DO have any questions, get em to me sooner rather than later.
And thanks for all of the support and kind words, my friends - truly appreciated!
Cheers.
First class wines from a first class dude. I especially like the Viognier. It’s a varietal that often gets overlooked for depth or complexity, but Larry does a great job with it.
@nostrom0 thank you! I’m currently enjoying a pour.of my roussanne - i dig that variety!!!
/giphy comfortable-lone-peach
In for a case! Always happy to see @tercerowines both here and in the real world.
@javadrinker thank you, my friend!!!
/giphy baffling-plastic-bee
@tercerowines - Very much enjoying the 2012 Verbiage. Thanks for sharing via Casemates!