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Marietta Cellars

Gibson Block Syrah 2019

McDowell Valley, California

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Made from the oldest Syrah vines in California, in the heart of the McDowell Valley AVA, this wine reflects the hidden property where it is grown – quiet, obscure and profound. This ancient, dry farmed, mixed block next to the original Gibson Homestead has been producing grapes for over a hundred years. Limited in production due to the unique grape source, this wine is built to enjoy with food.

The estate series from Marietta is made with terroir in mind above all else. For many years these sites were included in blends, though they routinely stood out as extraordinary. These wines are true expressions of unique sites, crafted with freshness, tension and longevity in mind.

Vineyard

The fruit for this wine comes from Marietta’s McDowell Valley estate, which is renowned for Rhône varietals and home to some of the oldest Syrah and Grenache Gris in California. These unique vines are six feet tall, head-trained, and dry farmed. This vineyard, in a valley surrounded by mountains, benefits from cold gathering on the valley floor, which ensures cools nights and preserves acidity and freshness.

Winemaking

Fermented in stainless steel tanks and barrel aged in neutral French oak barrels for 18 months before bottling.

Vintage

The 2019 Harvest brought another fantastic year of smooth weather with a slow-paced, even-growing season. Temperatures were a bit cooler than average, leading to picking a week or so later than typical norms. Fire showed up in late October adding to the stress of the season, however, our grapes were picked by then. The wines show great depth, measured ripeness, and wonderful retained freshness.

Tasting Note

The Gibson Block is the heart of the McDowell Valley AVA. It is planted with some of the oldest Syrah and Grenache in California. This ancient, dry farmed mixed block next to the original Gibson Homestead has been producing grapes for over a hundred years. As a result of the vine age and miniscule yield, this wine is dark and intense. A heady mix of mulberry and lavender dominate the nose, with an edge of cinnamon stick. Broad, mouth-coating tannins are tethered to a core of smooth, sleek, powerful texture that is balanced by focused acid. Delicious with hearty fare now, and built to age.

Food Pairing

Pair with cured meats and ripe cheeses, or duck breast with sage and cherries

Color

Red

Grape Varieties

Syrah

Appellation

McDowell Valley, California

Farming

The Gibson Block Syrah 2019 is made from 100% estate fruit, all of which is organically farmed

Alcohol

14.9%

Suggested Retail Price

$42

Reviews

92

Wine Enthusiast - July 6, 2022 October 2022 Issue

95

"Soaring violet perfume"

Wine Advocate - July 15, 2022 "Deep ruby-purple, the 2019 Gibson Block Syrah has a core of cassis and soaring violet perfume with accents of coffee beans, dark chocolate, aniseed and mint. The full-bodied palate is powerful and concentrated with broody, iron-laced fruits, pleasantly chewy tannins and bright freshness elevating floral perfume on the finish." -E.B 7/22

92

"Blueberry and Blackberry Meets Dark Chocolate"

Wine Enthusiast - August 15, 2022 "Extra ripe and deep blueberry and blackberry flavors meet dark chocolate, mint and graphite in this fully tannic and robust blend based on Syrah and Grenache." -J.G 8/22

95

"Coffee beans, dark chocolate, aniseed and mint"

Wine Advocate - October 23, 2023 “Deep ruby-purple, the 2019 Gibson Block Syrah has a core of cassis and soaring violet perfume with accents of coffee beans, dark chocolate, aniseed and mint. The full-bodied palate is powerful and concentrated with broody, iron-laced fruits, pleasantly chewy tannins and bright freshness elevating floral perfume on the finish.” -E.B. 10/23

Trade Materials

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Marietta Cellars Gibson Block Syrah Bottle Shot

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