2014 Marietta Christo

With an unassuming label, you may pass by this wine and not give it a second thought. But it’s what’s in the bottle that counts, and believe me, this will make you stop right in your tracks. A California Rhone style blend of 60% Syrah, 22% Petite Sirah, 14% Grenache and 4% Viognier features a deep purple hue with loads of dark black cherry, black raspberry and blackberry fruit. Huge violet floral notes, chocolate, coffee bean aroma’s, rich spice and silky vanilla flavors flourish in this well rounded gem. Each sip takes your palate on a beautiful wild ride all the way to its long elegant finish. You would expect to pay a premium price for something this good, but for under $20, don’t even think twice.