96 points from one of the most trusted publications in the industry, less than $30, is it all that? I know that's the first question on everyone's mind, and I'm here to say YES. While I bought enough to fill a small swimming pool, I wouldn't wait too long to place your order as the "point-to-price" ratio is off the charts on this one. All I can say is back up the truck on this fabulous deal from this dynamic, certified organic, family-run estate.
2019 Marietta Cellars Christo Red Blend
96 points Robert Parker's Wine Advocate
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Let's start with that Wine Advocate review, as it will give you a perfect sense of what's in the bottle. "A blend of Syrah, Grenache, Petite Sirah and Viognier, the 2019 Christo has a deep ruby-purple color and alluring scents of blueberry jam and cassis with accents of loamy earth, violet, coffee beans and iron. The full-bodied palate is powerful yet silky, with seamless acidity and gobs of pure violet perfume on the long, layered finish. It's easy to drink now but offers a decade or more of cellaring potential."
Sounds good right? Trust me, it is, but what makes this wine even cooler is that it is Scott Bilbro's ode to his father and winery founder Chris. Marietta founder Chris Bilbro was affectionately called Christo by his great-aunt Marietta. This blend is largely Syrah from the McDowell estate, blended with Petite Sirah from the Angeli Estate and Grenache from the Yorkville Highlands Estate.
The pig snout on the label is both a reminder of Chris's famed wild boar sausage, which he used to bring with him on sales calls, but it's also a reminder to enjoy this wine with your favorite pork barbecue. Sadly, Chris passed away in 2019, but his son Scott carries on the Marietta legacy with a ton of passion and skill.
These days, the Bilbros own 310 acres spread throughout the Alexander Valley, the McDowell Valley, and the Yorkville Highlands, and all of their vineyards are farmed organically. That's a lot of land to handle and as acreage goes up, organics becomes harder, more expensive, and more labor intensive. It's worth it to Scott though. Over a lunch we had in Healdsburg back in 2018, he told me that he thinks that farming this way ultimately makes better tasting wine. Myself and the critics agree wholeheartedly.
There's not much left to say. If you know the Marietta style, you know it's a style marked by ripe and decadent fruit balanced by zesty acids and tannic backbone. Translated, this one is rich and lush yet its got a ton of cellar and/or food-pairing potential.
This is a wine that shines with North Carolina bbq. It's also mighty tasty by itself, and it's the cheapest way to get 96 point-rated California wine in your glass. Act fast, this will be gone in no time.
ORDER NOW in our online store.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville