Marietta Christo Lot 3

There are approximately 12,000 cases of the NV Christo Lot 3, which is a hedonistic blend of Grenache, Syrah, Petite Sirah and a touch of Viognier to uplift the aromatics. This is, again, aged in neutral oak for two years and a blend of three vintages: 2011, 2012 and 2013. This is my favorite of all of these wines – a wine of exceptional purity and intensity and plenty of character, as this one is 70% Syrah and the rest the other three grapes. It tips the scales at a lofty 15.3% alcohol, but it’s well hidden behind a cascade of blackberry and cassis fruit, roasted meats, steak tartare, licorice and Provençal herbs. It’s a big boy, and that’s exactly the way they want it. This wine should drink well for 7-8 years, but it’s meant to be consumed in its exuberant youthfulness.

Dark, dense, rich and spicy, this Rhone-style blend is impressively delicious. Full bodied, it's saturated with blackberry, cinnamon and black-pepper flavors supported by fine-grained tannins. While it packs a punch, it is well balanced for a big, assertive wine, and will be best after 2019.
Editors' Choice.