Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 61

Marietta Cellars Old Vine Red Lot 61 is a Zinfandel-based California red blend bottled at 13.5% ABV in a standard 750ml format. Part of a pioneering series first produced in 1982, this multi-vintage field blend earned Robert Parker's recognition of Marietta Cellars as "one of California's finest value wineries" and took Gold at the California State Fair.

Quick Facts: ABV: 13.5%  |  Origin: Sonoma & Mendocino Counties, California  |  Style: Multi-Vintage Red Blend  |  Producer: Marietta Cellars

Production & Heritage

Marietta Cellars launched the Old Vine Red series in 1982, making it one of the original California red blends — a category that has since spawned countless imitators. The wine is built around Zinfandel sourced from old vineyards in Sonoma and Mendocino counties, blended with smaller portions of complementary varietals to replicate the character of traditional field blends where multiple grape varieties were interplanted. Each numbered "Lot" release draws from multiple vintages, allowing the winemaking team to maintain a consistent house style while adding complexity through the layering of different harvest years — a technique more common in sparkling wine and sherry production than in still red wine.

Tasting Notes

Aroma: Bright, perfumed notes of strawberry and pomegranate open the glass, followed by hints of violet potpourri and toasted wood. The aromatic profile is lively and inviting without being heavy-handed.

Taste: The palate enters with ripe blackberry jam and grape jelly sweetness, then builds into a spicier mid-palate with layers of darker berried fruit and a thread of licorice. The structure is full and round, supported by soft, plush tannins and balanced acidity that keep the richness in check.

Finish: Medium-length and satisfying, with lingering berry compote and a gentle spice fade. The tannins remain smooth through the close, leaving the palate clean rather than drying.

How to Drink Old Vine Red Lot 61

This wine drinks well at cellar temperature (60–65°F) with no decanting required, though 20 minutes of air can open up the aromatics further. Its fruit-forward, soft-tannin profile also makes it a versatile blending wine in cocktails. A Kalimotxo (red wine and cola over ice) works here because the wine's inherent sweetness and spice complement the cola without losing fruit character. A New York Sour benefits from Lot 61's jammy berry notes as the wine float. And a classic Sangria built on this blend delivers a richer, spicier base than thinner table reds typically provide.

Best For

• Weeknight dinner pairing when you want quality without overthinking the selection
• Introducing red wine blends to someone exploring beyond single varietals
• Stocking a house red for casual entertaining and backyard barbecues
• Building a case of reliable, crowd-pleasing reds at a smart price point

Frequently Asked Questions

What does Old Vine Red Lot 61 taste like? It delivers ripe blackberry jam, strawberry, and grape jelly fruit with undercurrents of licorice and baking spice, all framed by soft tannins and balanced acidity. The overall impression is lively, fruit-driven, and full-bodied without being heavy.

How does Old Vine Red compare to other California red blends? Marietta Cellars launched this series in 1982, predating the modern California red blend trend by decades and earning recognition as the original in the category. Where many newer blends lean on heavy oak or residual sugar, Old Vine Red relies on old-vine Zinfandel character and multi-vintage blending for complexity.

Is Old Vine Red Lot 61 good for everyday drinking? Absolutely — its approachable tannins, generous fruit, and 13.5% ABV make it a natural everyday red that pairs easily with a wide range of foods and doesn't demand special occasion treatment.

Where is Old Vine Red Lot 61 made? It is produced by Marietta Cellars using fruit sourced from old vineyards in Sonoma County and Mendocino County, both in Northern California's broader North Coast wine region.

What foods pair well with Old Vine Red Lot 61? Grilled sausages and peppers match the wine's spice and fruit weight. Baby back ribs with a smoky barbecue glaze complement the jammy berry notes. Margherita pizza pairs well thanks to the wine's acidity cutting through mozzarella. Aged cheddar or Gouda echo the wine's richness. Beef chili mirrors its robust, spice-driven character.

What sizes does Old Vine Red Lot 61 come in? Old Vine Red Lot 61 is available in the standard 750ml bottle format.

Is Old Vine Red Lot 61 worth the price? It positions firmly as a value-tier wine, consistently recognized by critics — including Robert Parker — as one of the best values in California red wine. For a multi-vintage old-vine blend, it delivers well above its price class.

Why Old Vine Red Lot 61?

Marietta Cellars essentially invented the California red blend category with the first Old Vine Red release in 1982, and four decades later the series remains a benchmark for the style. The multi-vintage blending method gives each Lot a depth and consistency that single-vintage wines at this price point rarely achieve. A California State Fair Gold medal and Robert Parker's praise as one of the state's finest value producers back up the reputation with verifiable critical recognition. In a crowded field of red blends, Lot 61 stands on a foundation of old-vine fruit and decades of blending expertise rather than marketing flash.