NV Marietta - Old Vine Red Lot #75

Marietta Cellars was founded in 1978 by Chris Bilbro, a Sonoma County native whose family had been making wine for three generations. Bilbro built the winery's reputation on Old Vine Red, a field-blend style he essentially invented, sourcing fruit from historic vineyards across Sonoma and Mendocino counties. His son Scot, a UC Davis-trained winemaker, took over in 2012 and continues to blend tradition with a more modern, precise approach.

Now in its seventy-fifth release, Old Vine Red is a non-vintage field blend meant to echo the mixed plantings found in old California vineyards. Lot 75 leans heavily on Zinfandel, rounded out with Syrah, Petite Sirah, Merlot, Grenache, and Barbera drawn from multiple vintages and sites. Blending across lots this way keeps the house style consistent from one release to the next.

Lot 75 pours a medium ruby-purple and offers up red and black plum, raspberry candy, and a touch of prosciutto alongside floral potpourri. The medium-bodied palate is rounded and earthy, with juicy acidity and a softly spicy finish. It's an easygoing, versatile red that suits peppery salami, roasted game, or a simple weeknight pizza.