Fall ’22 Club: 2019 Christo Red

Estate grown, North Coast Appellation

65% Syrah, 22% Grenache, 10% Petite Sirah, 3% Viognier

Aged for 20 months in neutral barrels. 15.0% ABV

This California grown Rhône varietal blend is focused and piquant with a smack of black pepper, lifted by the scent of dried roses. It surges with ripe Rainier cherries, a touch of dark chocolate, and a depth of black tea and licorice, delivering both power and balance with a seemingly endless finish

TASTING NOTES

The cool weather throughout August and September meant the grapes for Christo were afforded maximum hang-time to develop deep, dark intensity without the ripeness that would yield soaring alcohols. Violet, ripe plum, and sage combine to create an evocative nose with hints of charcuterie and iron-like minerality adding an undercurrent of wildness. On the palette, dried strawberries, dark chocolate and black tea richly coat every available surface leaving a chewiness that speaks to aging. Named and styled after Marietta’s founder, Chris Bilbro, this wine is a conundrum of opposites: extracted, intensely flavorful, yet somehow gentle and welcoming.

VINTAGE NOTES

The 2019 Harvest brought another fantastic year of smooth weather with a slow-paced, even-growing season. Temperatures were a bit cooler than average, leading to picking a week or so later than typical norms. As per the recent Northern California pattern, fire showed up in late October adding to the stress of the season. Grapes were picked by then and the wines show great depth, measured ripeness, and wonderful retained freshness.

PAIRING SUGGESTIONS

Like the snout on the label suggests, Christo pairs well with wild boar sausage, game and other rustic dishes. Try it with olive-braised rabbit, cassoulet or mushroom ragù over polenta.

CRITICS REVIEWS

96 POINTS | Wine Advocate: 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.