Cellar Secrets: Affordable & Food-Friendly California Wines

"Robert Parker has praised Marietta for many years, presciently noting that, “for some inexplicable reason, few California wineries turn out top quality value-priced wines…for over three decades one of the great values in dry California red wine has been the non-vintage kitchen sink blend from the Bilbro’s family-owned Marietta Cellars.” The NV OVR Lot 73 continues to impress, offering incredible pedigree and pleasure for $18. There’s more reason than ever to explore non-vintage bottlings, which allow producers to adjust in vintages plagued by drought and wildfires. It’s also an approach that allows Marietta to source old-vine fruit at affordable prices. Composed mainly of zinfandel with smaller portions of syrah, petite sirah, carignan and barbera, it has a medium ruby color and offers intense red cherry, blood orange and apricot perfume with accents of rooibos tea leaves, red licorice, lilac and loads of spicy nuances. The medium-bodied palate is light on its feet with soft tannins, bursts of refreshing acidity and detailed amaro accents on the long finish. This bright, spicy blend offers tremendous personality, capturing an exuberant sense of place and house style. Easy to drink, pair it with heartier dishes like grilled lamb or barbecue, which will mirror the spiciness of this zinfandel-based blend. RP 95" - Le Guide MICHELIN