With 94 points from Antonio Galloni and 93 from Jeb Dunnuck for just $27.99 per bottle, I was intrigued by the 2022 Marietta Cellars Christo. After tasting it last week, I can say with complete confidence that the critics got this one right.
Dominated by old-vine Syrah with smaller portions of Grenache, Petite Sirah, and a splash of Viognier, this is exactly the sort of hearty, robust California red I crave with barbecue. If you're firing up the grill any time in the near future, I can't think of a better bottle to have on the table. Rich, generous, and packed with ripe dark fruit, peppery spice, and savory herbs, this is a true crowd-pleaser.
Scott Bilbro created Christo as a tribute to his father and winery founder Chris, affectionately known as "Christo" by his Aunt Marietta, the winery's namesake. The old-vine Syrah comes from the family's McDowell Valley estate, the Grenache from their Yorkville Highlands vineyard, and the Petite Sirah from Alexander Valley. The resulting wine melds North Coast ripeness and richness with Northern Rhone complexity and savory spice.
If grilled meat is on the menu this week, do yourself a favor and grab a few bottles of this. It has everything I love about Marietta: ripe, decadent fruit balanced by bright acidity and sturdy tannins.
Josh Spurling
Owner, Operator, Wine Monger
Table Wine Asheville
