2021 Marietta Cellars ‘Christo’ North Coast Red Blend

WA93 The 2021 Christo is a blend of 68% Syrah, 20% Grenache, 8% Petite Sirah and 4% Viognier. The nose features fresh blackcurrant and blueberry aromas with tones of cast iron, violet, sagebrush and conifer. The full-bodied palate is chalky and refreshing with restrained, mineral-driven fruit and a long, perfumed finish. Give it 2-3 years in bottle or a couple hours in a decanter.

Estate Notes: This dark saucy number is redolent with licorice, slate, and molasses. Brighter notes of honey and lavender lift the nose while added complexity comes in with warm spice and pepper. The mouth is deep, full, and smooth, with a touch of chalk in addition to the broadly scaffolded tannins. A surprising amount of fresh acid leads juicy blackberry across the mouth and focuses the heft of this wine to perfectly balance between joyful exuberance and brooding intensity.