The Alchemist of Paso Robles Releases a new 'Problem Child'

There's been an energy coming out of the Paso Robles' wine scene for years. I felt it early on when I'd visit as a kid, and have watched it translate out into the world-at-large in the last decade. There are pioneers at play, both in the vineyards and in the wineries, and it's high time for some of them to take a bow. Pushing the envelope is no easy feat, but Matt Trevisan of Linne Calodo has always been one to get outside of his comfort zone and test boundaries and expectations.

Today, Linne Calodo introduces the 2022 vintage of its aptly named 'Problem Child'—the latest chapter in the winery’s longtime love affair with Zinfandel-driven blends from Paso Robles. The 2022 Problem Child Willow Creek District (SRP: $88) features dry-farmed Zinfandel (65%) blended with Carignan (14%), Mourvèdre (12%) and Syrah (9%)—a testament to how Owner-Winemaker Matt Trevisan uses different grape varieties to amplify Zinfandel’s native charm.

Click here to purchase 2022 Problem Child (SRP: $88)

“ Dry-farmed Zinfandel from the Willow Creek District tends to be ripe and high in acidity, which makes for this lively, delicious wine that can be made even better by a supporting cast of other grape varieties ,” Trevisan said. “ The goal is to make a wine that is unmistakably Zinfandel, but with the extra dimension and bass notes that can only come from blending .”

Trevisan acquired the Cherry Vineyard from the Cherry family in February of 2024, which is located in the coveted Willow Creek District of Paso Robles. To celebrate the vineyard acquisition along with the newest releases of wines, an epic label refresh was imagined in the most Linne Calodo way possible. Since 1998, Trevisan and his wife Maureen have established Linne Calodo as a house of blends. Linne Calodo helped spark the Rhône-style blend movement that put Paso Robles on the global map. Concurrently, the winery championed Zinfandel-driven blends that reflect the heritage of the Paso Robles region, where Zinfandel has been a mainstay since the 1800s.

The 2022 Problem Child comes from two Willow Creek District estates: Heaton Vineyard and Linne Calodo’s Stonethrower Vineyard . The Zinfandel comes from head-trained, dry-farmed vines grown in the classic Paso Robles tradition. The name “Problem Child” is a nod to the Zinfandel grape’s fickle nature, which requires patience both in the vineyard and in the cellar.

Trevisan’s fidelity to Paso Robles Zinfandel recently culminated in Linne Calodo’s acquisition of the historic Cherry Vineyard, a 2.5-acre dry-farmed Zinfandel site that yields just a half-ton of fruit per acre. The Zinfandel in Linne Calodo’s signature “Cherry Red” blend famously comes from this namesake vineyard.

Click here to purchase 2022 Problem Child (SRP: $88)

Visit linnecalodo.com to learn more.