Winemaker Notes
#17 Wine Spectator Top 100 of 2023
M5 is Margerum's Flagship wine modeled after one of the top wines from southern Rhone – Châteauneuf-du-Pape. The M is for Margerum and the 5 is for 5 grapes used: Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Cinsault, and Counoise.
A Grenache based blend and has elegance and layers making it a versatile table and food wine. The overlying presence of Grenache flavors initially impacts the palate, followed by a finish complete with hints of jam, cocoa and dark berry contributions of Syrah and earthy Mourvèdre.
It's a "go to" wine since it drinks well with every occasion and almost every type of cuisine.
Blend: 44% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre, 6% Counoise, 5% Cinsault
Professional Ratings
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Vinous
The 2021 M5, Margerum's Grenache-based Rhône blend, is superb. Deep and vibrant to the core, the M5 is another knock-out in this range. Dark red/blue fruit, spice, leather, tobacco and dried herbs are all dialed up in this deep, fleshy red.
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Wine Spectator
Structure meets polish in this full-bodied blend, which offers deep blackberry and raspberry flavors that interplay with licorice, smoked pepper and garrigue and finish with well-buffed tannins.
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Wine Enthusiast
Lovely and lively aromas of strawberry, rosewater, lavender and brisk melon show on the nose of this reliably enjoyable blend of 44% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre, 6% Counoise and 5% Cinsault. Dry tannins frame the crisp, juicy flavors of pomegranate, hibiscus and raspberry on the easygoing palate.
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Jeb Dunnuck
Moving to the reds, the 2021 M5 Red checks in as 44% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 14% Mourvèdre, and nearly equal doses of Counoise and Cinsault. Its semi-opaque medium ruby hue is followed by vibrant, crunchy aromas and flavors of black cherries, mulberries, peppery herbs, and subtle flowers. This medium-bodied, juicy, elegant red is nicely balanced, has fine tannins, and the fresher, crisp style of the estate.
With bold fruit flavors and accents of sweet spice, Grenache, Syrah and Mourvèdre form the base of the classic Rhône Red Blend, while Carignan, Cinsault and Counoise often come in to play. Though they originated from France’s southern Rhône Valley, with some creative interpretation, Rhône blends have also become popular in other countries. Somm Secret—Putting their own local spin on the Rhône Red Blend, those from Priorat often include Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. In California, it is not uncommon to see Petite Sirah make an appearance.
With a dry and mild climate cooled significantly by moist ocean fog and breezes, Santa Barbara County is a grape-grower’s dream. Part of the larger Central Coast appellation, Santa Barbara is home to Santa Maria Valley and Santa Ynez Valley. The conditions here provide an opportunity for nearly effortless production of high-quality cool-climate Central Coast wines. This is also the site of the 2004 film Sideways, which caused Pinot Noir’s popularity to skyrocket and brought new acclaim to the region.
Chardonnay and Pinot Noir are the stars of Santa Barbara, producing wines marked by racy acidity. Crisp Sauvignon Blanc and savory Syrah are also important. The region is home to many young and enthusiastic winemakers eager to experiment with less common varieties including Chenin Blanc, Grüner Veltliner, Trousseau Gris, Gamay and Cabernet Franc, making it an exciting area to watch.