This was a fun wine to make. We weren’t bound by any varietal rules – the simple goal was to make a delicious wine out of whatever varieties worked together. Historically, some of the best wines from warm climate areas like Lodi are often blends, where each of the varieties adds a different component or layer to the final wine. Keeping with the Prohibition era theme, the actual blend is top secret, but I will tell you that Marian’s Zinfandel comprises about 65% of the blend. The remaining components include Barbera, Souzao, Tempranillo, and a final secret “spice” to finish the wine. The wine is an authentic full-bodied red with ripe berry flavors, spice, and underlying earth tones that reflect the sun-drenched vineyards of Lodi. Enjoy the journey!

92 Point Review - Master Sommelier Catherine Fallis Rich and ripe, this lavishly fruity red blend is 60% old vine Zin from Marian’s vineyard (which is 111 years old), with the balance a secret blend of Barbera, the port grape Souzao, Tempranillo, and others. Dark cherry, mulberry, fig newton, root beer, vanilla, chocolate mint and cinnamon notes on the nose are warm and inviting. The wine is full-bodied, round, and plush but balanced with a nice soft ripe berry juiciness. Some fine-grained oak tannins pop up towards the bright red-fruited finish.