James Suckling Review, 2021
Marietta Wines continue to shine this summer with the latest reviews from renowned critic James Suckling. In an interview with Marietta owner and winemaker Scot Bilbro, the two discuss the inspiration behind Estate Series wines such as Gibson Block Syrah and Angeli Zinfandel, as well as the Marietta staple Old Vine Red. “I didn’t even know we had vines like that in California,” exclaims James upon hearing about the towering, field-planted old vines. Check out the scores below, and be sure to catch the full interview with Scot and James. Way to go team!
REVIEWS
ESTATE SERIES
2019 Angeli Zinfandel – 95 Points – “Such a pretty zin with blackberries, figs, flowers and some bark on the nose. Follows through to a medium body, with firm and fine tannins and a fresh, spicy finish that develops into a black-pepper undertone. Very balanced Zin. Drink now.”
2018 Game Trail Cabernet Sauvignon – 94 Points – “A full-bodied red with blackberry, black-chocolate and walnut aromas and flavors. Bark and sweet tobacco. Mint, too. Flavorful finish. Cloves and black pepper to the fruit at the end. Drink or hold.”
2018 Gibson Block Syrah – 94 Points – “Blackberry, black-licorice and tar aromas follow through to a full body with round, soft tannins that are reserved and focused. Fresh finish. Rich and spicy at the end with a slight meatiness. Drink now.”
FAMILY SERIES
2018 Armé – 93 Points – “Round-textured and fruity with balance and softness, yet freshness at the same time. Medium-bodied. Attractive berry, currant and sweet green-tobacco undertones. 85% Cabernet Sauvignon, 7% Merlot and 4% Malbec and 4% Petit Verdot. Drink now.”
2018 Christo – 94 Points – “Very attractive aromas of blackberry, sweet tobacco and wet earth follow through to a full body with a round, soft texture. Smoke, tar and graphite notes. Flavorful finish. 60% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah and 4% Viognier. Drink or hold.”
2019 Román – 93 Points – “A juicy, fruity red with blackberry, plum and chocolate character. Medium-to full-bodied with round, integrated tannins and a juicy finish. Some slate and earth to the fruit in the aftertaste. 94% Zinfandel, 4% Barbera and 2% Petite Sirah. Drink now.”
OVR SERIES:
Old Vine Red, Lot 72 – 92 Points – “A ripe, juicy red with blackberry, mushroom, old-bark and tobacco character. Woody and tarry. Some moss, too. Full-bodied with round tannins and a flavorful finish. Mostly zinfandel. Real red. Drink now.”
2020 Old Vine Riesling – 91 Points – “A fruity white with sliced-pear character. Medium-bodied with nice acidity and a fruity finish. Soft and fresh.
Drink now.”
2020 Old Vine Rosé – 92 Points – “A fresh, creamy-textured rosé with candied-cherry, cranberry with some strawberry character. It’s medium-bodied with pleasing fruit and a delicious finish. Syrah, Grenache Noir and Grenache Gris. More like a light red in texture. Drink now.”