Hidden within the remote Mayacamas Mountain range, in the heart of Northern California’s coastal wine country, is the Old Vine Ranch, a vision brought to life by renowned winemaker and owner of Marietta Cellars, Scot Bilbro. The rugged, sprawling site includes field blend vines dating back to the 1880s, creating a deep connection to California’s storied winemaking heritage.
With a firm belief that wine drinkers in America have the right to dry, delicious wine at an approachable price point. With a strong sense of origin, Old Vine Ranch comes to market with four distinct varietals: the iconic Old Vine Red, a robust Cabernet Sauvignon, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc, and a juicy Rosé, equally priced at $19.99 SRP. Each wine is crafted to be an easy, everyday pleasure—rich, vivid, and beautifully built.
The winery recently sent me some of their new releases.
2024 Old Vine Ranch Rosé – Salmon colored. 13.5% ABV. 50% Syrah, 25% Grenache Gris, 25% Grenache Noir from Marietta’s McDowell Valley estate. Charming nose of citrus, stone fruits and flowers. Medium body with perfect acidity. Fresh and crisp with nice mouthfeel. Lemon, green apple, grapefruit and minerals on the palate. The finish is long and supple. My kind of Rosé. Lots to like here and a wine that will be tremendous as the days get warmer. Best this Summer. $19.99 at the winery and retail. My rating: 90 points.
2023 Old Vine Ranch Cabernet Sauvignon – Purple in color. 13.5% ABV. Sublime nose of black fruits, cassis liqueur and licorice. Full bodied with ample acidity. Lush, eminently approachable and fruit forward. Blackberry, black currants, tobacco leaves and earth on the palate. The finish is long and smooth. Really easy to drink and hard not to like for the price. Best over the next several years. $19.99 at the winery and retail. My rating: 89 points.
The concept of Old Vine Ranch is not far afield from the Marrietta Old Vine Red that has been a staple in my household for almost twenty years. Well made wines at a very fair price. Frankly the wine industry could use more projects like this.