MARIETTA CELLARS OLD VINE RED LOT 74 NV

The Old Vine Red Lot 74, the seventy-forth rendition of this lovely blend, is dominated by Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Syrah. Always meant as a boisterous, exuberant Mediterranean-style red, the likes of which are easy to find in parts of Spain, Southern Italy and Southern France.

Marietta Cellars is located just outside the little town of Geyserville in one of California's premier wine growing regions, Sonoma County. Owner and winemaker Chris Bilbro initially founded Marietta Cellars in 1978 in a rented cow barn in the Dry Creek Valley. The winery is named after Chris' great aunt, Marietta, a tough Italian immigrant. Not having any children of her own, she took Chris under her wing and taught him how to cook by hand, which is a direct correlation to Chris' winemaking style.

Winery notes (Lot 72 NV)
"Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine made to replicate the eld blends of many of the old vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. Predominantly comprised of Zinfandel, Old Vine Red combines pure fruit, a supple mouth feel and a rich, solid structure. First produced in 1982, this groundbreaking combination of multiple varietals and multiple vintages has blazed the path for red blends for decades. With a national following, it is one of the longest lasting and best known red blends produced today.

One swirl of the glass and OVR Lot Number 74 jumps with lovely bright plum fruit. Dark and focused with notes of briar patch and black tea, this wine strikes a perfect balance between fruit forward enjoyment and layered sophistication. Medium bodied, with a mouth of sweet spice, velvety tannins, and electric vibrancy this wine pairs wine almost any meal or occasion."

93/100 Robert Parker's Wine Advocate (Lot 74 NV)
"The NV Old Vine Red Lot 74 is primarily Zinfandel, with some Syrah, Petite Sirah, Carignan, Grenache and Barbera. Spicy and easy to drink, it has aromas of red and black cherries, mint, bitter chocolate and allspice with earthy undertones. The medium-bodied palate is finely chalky and refreshing, with spicy fruit and an easygoing finish."