Scot Bilbro has now taken over for his father and his brothers and is now running the show at Marietta Cellars. Old Vine Red Lot Number 68 has made its debut. The wine is tweaked ever so slightly drier than previous lots, perhaps now ever the more appealing to both west coast and European wine tastes. Produced mainly from Zinfandel, Petite Sirah and Carignane primarily from vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red replicates the old Cal-Ital field blends there. Alluring deep ruby purple in color, with Zinfandel-influenced aromas suggesting dark ripe juicy berries with hints of the parched dusty northern California vineyard floor; at once fresh and vibrant, smooth and slippery on the tongue with just an inkling of fine-grained tannins that keep it all on the up and over. And, by all means, do take note of its continuing brilliantly true blue in terms of value!

The 2014 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. Drink 2017-2020. Rated 90. - Antonio Galloni, vinous.com March, 2017