The 2019 Outsider, a blend of 74% Zinfandel, 17% Syrah and 9% Graciano, offers pure aromas of wild blackberries, aniseed, purple flowers and savory undertones. The medium-bodied palate is fresh and lifted, with compelling layers of spicy, savory and floral nuances extending the finish.

Comprised of 78% Zinfandel, 10% Mourvèdre, 7% Syrah and 5% Tempranillo, the 2015 The Outsider has a medium to deep garnet-purple color and nose of raspberry tart, kirsch and stewed plums with touches of Indian spices, licorice, charcoal and bay leaves. Full-bodied with tons of berry preserves and exotic spice flavors, it has a chewy backbone and lovely earthy finish.

Another Zinfandel-dominated blend is the 2014 The Outsider, which incorporates 15% Syrah and 7% Mourvedre. Showing a slightly more dark fruit-slanted feel in its cassis, black raspberry, toasted spice and licorice aromas and flavors, it hits the palate with full-bodied richness, fabulous balance and sweet tannin that emerge on the finish. I love the overall purity here, and this beauty is another seamless wine that makes the most of these steep limestone hills on the west side of Paso Robles.

The 2012 Outsider is a more elegant and graceful effort that has lots of baking spices, cherry pie and licorice in its medium to full-bodied, forward and approachable feel. Made from 72% Zinfandel, 22% Syrah and the balance Mourvedre, this beauty is nicely balanced, silky and lightly textured. Enjoy it over the coming 4-5 years. I had a fantastic tasting with owner/winemaker Matt Trevisan, and to my palate, this estate is at the top of their game. The wines have incredible purity across the board, and while they pack serious flavor and depth, they never seem heavy, over-the-top or cumbersome in the least. You can't go wrong with any of these. Tel (805) 227-0797, www.linnecalodo.com

The 2011 The Outsider, my favorite of the Zinfandel dominated blends, checks in at 78% Zinfandel, 18% Syrah and 4% Mourvedre. Deep, rich and layered, with blacker berry fruit, spice box, underbrush, licorice, white pepper and meaty qualities, this complex, rich and brilliantly textured 2011 is hard to resist. Enjoy it over the coming 7-8 years or so. Drink now-2021. This was a fantastic lineup of wines by proprietor Matt Trevisan and all of the current releases have brilliant purity of fruit and a lively, energetic feel without ever coming across as lean. Blends are the rule here and these are character-filled efforts that could come from nowhere else. Highly recommended. Tel (805) 227-0797; www.linnecalodo.com