View photos

Old Vine Ranch by Marietta Cellars

Old Vine Red Lot 73

North Coast, California

Affectionately known as “OVR,” Marietta’s Old Vine Red is a proprietary red wine made to replicate the field blends of the old vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties. A groundbreaking combination of varietals and multiple vintages first produced in 1982, this wine has blazed the path for red blends for decades. With an historic underground following, it is one of the longest lasting and best known red blends produced today. Predominantly comprised of fresh, young Zinfandel, OVR gets its backbone from Petite Sirah with about three years of age in neutral barrel, and its savory component from Syrah with about two years of age in neutral barrel. Occasionally, other varieties like Barbera, Carignan, or Grenache will be blended in to complement the other elements. The goal is always to create an enjoyable table wine made with integrity that combines pure fruit, a supple mouth feel and a rich, solid structure.

Winemaking

The goal of winemaking at Marietta is to let the fruit speak for itself. Cool fermentations, neutral oak and stainless steel all work in concert to preserve the purity of fruit in the “OVR” wines. Primarily Zinfandel from 2020, fermented and aged in stainless tank, and benefiting from barrel aged Syrah and Petite Sirah from 2018 and 2019. Small amounts of Grenache and Barbera complete the wine. 60% was aged in neutral barrels and 40% was aged in stainless steel.

Vintage

A combination of wine from the 2020, 2019, and 2018 vintages, Lot 73 of Old Vine Red melds the freshness of young wines with the savory and silky characters of aged wines to deliver a refreshing, layered, and pleasurable wine. Each “lot” of OVR is blended to produce the best possible wine from separately aged individual varietals.

Tasting Note

OVR Lot Number 73 is bright and juicy, with strawberry and black raspberry supported by savory notes of briar and slate. The fruity and fresh Zinfandel from 2020 is given added complexity and length by barrel aged Syrah and Petite Sirah from 2019 and 2018. A touch of Grenache and Barbera add a more complex red fruit character and hint of red licorice and white pepper.

Food Pairing

Pair the Old Vine Red with a wide range of foods: pizza, pasta, burgers, roasted vegetables, mushrooms, and tacos.

Color

Red

Blend %

Zinfandel, Syrah, Petite Sirah, Grenache, Barbera, Carignane

Appellation

North Coast, California

Farming

Organic

Alcohol

13.5%

Suggested Retail Price

$19

Reviews

95

Wine Advocate - July 1, 2022

More on Old Vine Ranch by Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 73

View all

Father’s Day Wines

January 13, 2022 - The South Florida Reporter recommended Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 73 in its Father's Day wine column. The writers encourage readers to pay tribute to a significant father figure…

Trade Materials

View all

Marietta Cellars OVR Lot 73 Tech Sheet

Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Shelf Talker

Other Wines by this Producer

View all

Sauvignon Blanc

California, United States

Inspired by Marietta's original cult wine, Old Vine Red, the Old Vine Sauvignon Blanc draws on the same simple focus to make delicious wines that bring people together. Made in a fresh, fruity style, this Sauvignon Blanc is somewhere between New Zealand and the Loire in its tropical fruit profile; bright and juicy with lovely white floral notes wrapped around a papaya and grapefruit core.

Cabernet Sauvignon

California, United States

Inspired by Marietta's iconic Old Vine Red, this Cabernet marks its debut in the Old Vine Ranch series. Crafted with minimal intervention to let the fruit shine, the wine is bold and rich, with notes of spice and oak surrounding a core of black currant—delicious and inviting.

Old Vine Rosé

California, United States

Marietta's Old Vine Rosé is a perfect extension of the Old Vine series. Made in a Provençale, direct-press style from some of the oldest Syrah and Grenache vines in California, it is fresh, nuanced, and perfectly balanced to enjoy with food or on its own. As always with the "OVR" wines, it delivers a lot more substance and pleasure than you could expect.