Marietta 2018 Christo Estate Red, California

Starting with only a handful of purchased grapes in 1978, Marietta Cellars has been a standout winery in Sonoma and Mendocino since the very start. Founded by Chris Bilbro, a Sonoma native with winemaking roots dating back three generations, Marietta rose to prominence with its revolutionary Old Vine Red, a California red blend that essentially created the category. The winery has slowly expanded its estate holdings over the past thirty years, evolving into a beacon for high quality, balanced Cabernet Sauvignon, Zinfandel, and Rhône variety blends.

Named and styled after Chris Bilbro, affectionately called “Christo” by his great-aunt Marietta, the Christo Red Blend is made from 100% estate fruit, all of which is organically farmed. 60% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah and 4% Viognier; the Syrah is co-fermented with the small amount of Viognier for aromatic lift and then blended with Grenache and Petite Sirah. The wine aged 18 months in neutral oak.

The Wine Advocate scored this 95 points saying "The 2018 Christo is made up of 60% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah and 4% Viognier. Vibrant ruby-purple in color, the nose offers pure scents of crushed red, black and blue berries, tobacco, violets, tar and smoked meats. The palate is full-bodied and packed full of perfectly ripe, juicy fruit, with a grainy frame and loads of uplift on the finish." Amazing Value!