Marietta Cellars (California) Old Vines Red Lot 23
I’ve been following this wine from the Sonoma-based Marietta, since about 1997, when I discovered how good it was and what great value it represented. That, I recall, was Lot 16. Each lot contains a blend of grapes, based on Zinfandel (which Marietta also bottle as an excellent single varietal) but also Petite Sirah, Carignan and Cabernet Sauvignon. This strapping wine is a deep crimson/black and has lovely nose of creamy blackberry, ripe jammy fruits and mint humbugs. Firm, juicy and structured on the palate, there is a liquorice edge to blueberry and blackcurrant fruit and a long, spicy and smoky finish. A helluva wine for the money. UK Stockist: Oddbins 7.99
