NV Marietta Cellars Lot Number 3

Wine: NV Marietta Cellars Christo Lot Number 3
Estate: Marietta Cellars

Region: Sonoma County, California

Winemaker: Chris Bilbro

Elevage: Unknown.

Varietals: 70% Syrah, 17% Petite Sirah, 10% Grenache and 3% Viognier.

Decant: Coravin.

Location: Tasted at home on 1/18/2016.

Tasting Note:

Decided to coravin something new tonight. Come out of the coravin a think purple that coated the sides of the glass. Nose started with lots of red fruits like red cherries. As it opened there were a ton of floral and perfume notes such as lavender and lilacs. Very refreshing with solid acidity from beginning to end. Moderate plus tannins (7/10) with a moderate body. Lots of red berries throughout. Slightly savory near the finish with a little dark cocoa. Furry and dry moderate length finish. Insanely refreshing. This could easily age for a few years or good to go now with a short decant.

Dates: Drink now till 2022.
Rating: 91+
Price: $ - $17.59

2013 Ledge Vineyards Drive

Wine: 2013 Ledge Vineyards Drive
Estate: Ledge Vineyards

Vineyards: James Berry Vineyard and Messina Vineyard

Location: Willow Creek AVA, Paso Robles, California

Winemaker: Mark Adams
Varietal: 45% Syrah, 30% Mourvedre, and 25% Grenache

Decant: Had been open for forty-five minutes prior to us arriving.

Location: The Vineyard in McLean - Ledge Vineyards Tasting on 11/18/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Light crimson.
Nose/Smell: Starts off with some dark berries, such as blackberries. and a slight note of violets. 
Palate/Taste: A lot more dark fruits than the previous wines. Lots of blackberries and blueberries. More together than the Adams Ranch or James Berry. Moderate tannins (6/10) and moderate body with a moderate lingering finish.
Opinion: Second favorite of the wines today. This is mainly based off approachability. Time would still help this wine to fully integrate and could cellar for up to ten years.
Dates: Now till 2025
Rating: 92

Price: $$ - $43.99

2013 Ledge Vineyards Syrah Adams Ranch Vineyard

Wine: 2013 Ledge Vineyards Syrah Adams Ranch Vineyard
Estate: Ledge Vineyards

Vineyards: Adams Ranch Vineyard

Location: Willow Creek AVA, Paso Robles, California

Winemaker: Mark Adams
Varietal: Almost entirely Syrah with a bit of Mourvedre and Grenache

Decant: Had been open for forty-five minutes prior to us arriving.

Location: The Vineyard in McLean - Ledge Vineyards Tasting on 11/18/2015.

Tasting Note:
Color: Light purplish red.
Nose/Smell: I do love the nose. Lots of black peppercorn, earthy. Is a little tight and needs time to open up.
Palate/Taste: Moderate tannins and moderate body.  Slight minerality in the finish. A little tight and furry.
Opinion: Very interesting vineyard with sandy soil and is owned by Mark Adams. This wine had its ups and downs. Definite up? The nose, I love the pepper, earthy notes it had going on. Downside? The minerality in the finish. All in all a great wine that needs at least a few years to fully develop and could easily cellar for ten. 
Dates: Now till 2025
Rating: 91

Price: $$ - $53.99