Marietta Estate Grown Christo Rhone Blend 2017, North Coast, California

2017 Vintage – 63% Syrah, 6% Petite Sirah, 28% Grenache, 3% Viognier. Aged for 18 months in neutral barrels. “This intense, powerful Syrah-based wine is grown mostly on our McDowell Valley property which has a long history of championing Rhone varietals. Co-fermented with Viognier, the Syrah expresses violet, tar, and rich earth. Petite Sirah from Alexander Valley brings chewy bitter chocolate, while Grenache grown at 1400 feet elevation in the Yorkville highlands keeps the wine bright and juicy. Full-bodied and fleshy, this wine is dark and brooding yet silky and smooth. The 2017 Christo, Marietta’s Rhône blend, is bold, racy and juicy, all qualities that make it hard to resist. The Christo is the most exuberant and flamboyant of these reds. The blend is mostly Syrah, with some Petite Sirah, Grenache and Viognier. Sage, tobacco, menthol and licorice wrap around the juicy, exuberant finish.” – from the Winery