2022 Marietta Cellars - Zinfandel North Coast Roman (750ml)

Marietta Cellars was founded in 1978 by Sonoma native Chris Bilbro, who came from three generations of winemaking roots and built the winery around the idea of affordable, characterful red blends. His Old Vine Red, first made in 1982, essentially created the modern California field-blend category. Today the estate is run by his sons, Jake and Scot Bilbro, who farm over 400 organic acres across Alexander Valley, McDowell Valley, and the Yorkville Highlands.

This bottling is named for longtime cellarmaster Román Cisneros, who has worked at Marietta for more than three decades. The wine blends 93 percent Zinfandel with small portions of Barbera and Petite Sirah, sourced from organically farmed estate vineyards including the historic Angeli Ranch, originally planted in 1886, along with fruit from Marietta's McDowell Valley holdings. A cool fermentation preserves delicate aromatics, and the wine spends a full year in older, neutral barrels before bottling.

The wine offers apricot, graham cracker, raspberry jam, and mossy bark with a touch of spice. Light-bodied, soft, and juicy, it finishes mouthwatering and perfumed. Pair it with spicy Szechuan noodles, grilled pork chops, or peppery salami.