A Rhône blend (60% Syrah, 24% Grenache, 12% Petite Sirah, and 4% Viognier), this is a powerful, full bodied red. “Christo” refers to the family nickname for Chris Bilbro, veteran Sonoma winemaker. Aged for 18 months in neutral oak, this blend is ultra ripe with tons of black fruit and compact flavors. It opens to reveal background notes of spice, ripe plums and tobacco. Some floral and pepper pokes through in the intense berry flavors. The lengthy finish has a pleasant touch of juicy berry fruit and light tannin. It is a lot of wine for the money and should age well. But be warned, you might rip a tendon or tear a muscle lifting this extremely heavy bottle.
Marietta Cellars, North Coast (California) 2018
By Norm Roby