9/6/19 Cabernet, Zinfandel & More
FRIDAY SIPS
California Wines from Marietta
Today September 6 from 1:30 - 6:30
California Wines from Marietta
Today September 6 from 1:30 - 6:30
2015 MARIETTA CELLARS
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'ARME'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
CABERNET SAUVIGNON 'ARME'
$21.99 BTL./$263.88 CASE
Lately it seems as though there is constant complaining over the prices of good California Cab, thus being the reason not to buy them. Excuses are over when it comes to this wine because for 22-bucks, this has a hell of a lot of bang for those who like what this state has to offer. Founded by the late Chris Bilbro in 1979, son Scot has been at the estate for over 10 years and is now fully in charge. Never a shortage of depth and power, this Cab is blended from fruit from Alexander Valley, the Yorkville Highlands, and the McDowell Valley, hence the excellent price.
Cassis, cedar, dusty earth, well-integrated spicy oak and kisses of peppermint tones follow through to a sumptuous texture that is concentrated and well balanced. Builds nice vibrancy and texture on the finish that extends beautifully. This prodigal, full-flavored value drinks exquisitely now and will continue to do so for another decade. If you wish to have a critical score, Vinous scored this 91 points, same as the $100, 2007 Silver Oak ;-)
Cassis, cedar, dusty earth, well-integrated spicy oak and kisses of peppermint tones follow through to a sumptuous texture that is concentrated and well balanced. Builds nice vibrancy and texture on the finish that extends beautifully. This prodigal, full-flavored value drinks exquisitely now and will continue to do so for another decade. If you wish to have a critical score, Vinous scored this 91 points, same as the $100, 2007 Silver Oak ;-)
2015 MARIETTA CELLARS
'CHRISTO' RHONE-STYLE BLEND
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
'CHRISTO' RHONE-STYLE BLEND
$19.99 BTL./$239.88 CASE
Christo, named after what family Patriarch Chris Bilbro's aunt Marietta called him when he was a boy, is the Rhone-inspired blend from Marietta. Vintage 2015 is a full-throttle, unabashedly California blend of 64% Syrah, 23% Grenache, 7% Petite Sirah & 6% Viognier that possesses both swagger and flavor.
Like the Arme, this wine also comes from Sonoma, Yorkville Highlands and Mendocino fruit and reveals hallmark scents of saturated black fruit and olive, combined with iron, black licorice and smoked meat leading into a full, billowy texture that maintains lovely freshness from vibrancy from red berry aspects that arrive in the mid-palate. Yes, this is an erupting California red but it retains class and freshness with vivid red fruit tones that deliver additional complexity and thrust that drives home on the impressively long finish. Drink for another 6-8 years.
Like the Arme, this wine also comes from Sonoma, Yorkville Highlands and Mendocino fruit and reveals hallmark scents of saturated black fruit and olive, combined with iron, black licorice and smoked meat leading into a full, billowy texture that maintains lovely freshness from vibrancy from red berry aspects that arrive in the mid-palate. Yes, this is an erupting California red but it retains class and freshness with vivid red fruit tones that deliver additional complexity and thrust that drives home on the impressively long finish. Drink for another 6-8 years.
2015 MARIETTA CELLARS
ZINFANDEL 'ANGELI'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
ZINFANDEL 'ANGELI'
$29.99 BTL./$359.88 CASE
The magic of Marietta is not exclusively Cabs and Rhone varietals; it also extends into two very fine Zinfandels. The Angeli Vineyard is owned by the Bilbro family and located in Geyserville at the entrance of the Alexander Valley.
96% full throttle Zinfandel along with 2% each Petite Sirah and Syrah added in for additional dose of thunder. Aged in neutral barrels, this Estate Zin is quite wonderful in its youth with forward flavors of fresh blackberry, raspberry, baked pie, classic spice and roasted earth. There is also a hint of exotic dried herbs and spice adding complexity to this blanketing red. Mouth filling and long lasting on the palate, with great food-friendly civility and balance, the ripe tannins frame the aromatic fruit perfectly. This is an outstanding red for grilled steak and hearty, slow-cooked tomato-based stews with olives and eggplant. Drink over the next 10-12 years.
96% full throttle Zinfandel along with 2% each Petite Sirah and Syrah added in for additional dose of thunder. Aged in neutral barrels, this Estate Zin is quite wonderful in its youth with forward flavors of fresh blackberry, raspberry, baked pie, classic spice and roasted earth. There is also a hint of exotic dried herbs and spice adding complexity to this blanketing red. Mouth filling and long lasting on the palate, with great food-friendly civility and balance, the ripe tannins frame the aromatic fruit perfectly. This is an outstanding red for grilled steak and hearty, slow-cooked tomato-based stews with olives and eggplant. Drink over the next 10-12 years.
