Here at What’s Worth Drinking there is usually a theme behind most of my posts. I might feature wines from a specific region or of a particular variety, but today, I’m featuring three wines just because I think they’re deserving of attention. All three of them are red blends by a producer by the name of Vines on the Marycrest, located out of Paso Robles, California. Their line includes both varietal and blended bottlings mostly consisting of red Rhone varietals, Zinfandel, and Petite Sirah. Vines on the Marycrest offers some interesting, high quality blends at prices that make them very approachable. This makes it easy to want to try as many as possible, which is exactly what we’re going to do today.
Wine #1: Vines on the Marycrest 2005 Paso Robles “My Generation”
Our first wine is a unique blend of 45% Zinfandel, 28% Syrah, 18% Mourvedre, and 9% Petite Sirah.
Relatively to the point on the nose, this wine may still have a few years of aging to do before it opens up fully. There is a mix of red berry and cherry tones that show at first, with leather, chocolate, and just a hint of herbs and spice showing with a spin in the glass.
The palate is ripe and delicately sweet, with soft, light tannins and a bright, showy acidity and some warmth from the high alcohol content. Bright, juicy cherry and berry tones dominate the palate with subtle tones of spice and suede providing a leveling earthiness. This is a big wine, and I think it’s still a little wound up in its youth. Although it drinks somewhat simply now, given a few more years, this one should evolve nicely.
Worth Trying. 86 points.
Wine #2: Vines on the Marycrest 2005 Paso Robles “Round Midnight”
Our next two wines are New World takes on the traditional Grenache, Syrah, Mourvedre based red Rhone blend. “Round Midnight” is Syrah dominant, at 45%, with 33% Mourvedre, and 22% Grenache.
The aroma is dense with chocolate covered licorice tones and smoky blackcurrants. There is a deep minerality to this wine that gives it a charming darkness. A spin in the glass opens up notes of dried cherry, pepper, and mixed spices.
Sweet and smooth on the palate, it is dominated by deep, red fruit tones. Dark volcanic minerals and deep leather provide an earthy undertone that combines with blackcurrant, spice, and black pepper. The finish is surprisingly floral, with violet and lilac notes combining with the dark fruit found on the mid palate long after the wine is gone. “Round Midnight” is a smooth, well structured, and impressively complex blend, with some serious charm and appeal.
Worth Buying. 90 points.
Wine #3: Vines on the Marycrest 2005 California “Heart of Glass”
Our final wine, like our second, is also a Grenache, Syrah Mourvedre blend, but the percentages are slightly different. In “Heart of Glass” Grenache is the primary varietal at 67%, with 22% Syrah, and 11% Mourvedre.
Sweet and jammy on the nose, this wine erupts with raspberries and blackberries. There is a distinct impression of a berry bush to this wine (sort of earthy, woody, and leafy all at once), with notes of exotic wood, chocolate, black and red licorice, and just a faint hint of roses with a spin in that glass.
The palate is sweet, delicate, and smooth, with ripe raspberry and blackberry gushing onto scene. Green plum, a gentle herbaceousness, and some spicy coffee bean flavors come together before a finish that is reminiscent of chocolate covered oranges and rose petals. This is a bright, beautifully balanced, and fascinatingly complex wine that is absolutely…
Worth Buying. 90 points.
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The Grapevine: What are some of your favorite red blends?
