Wine Spectator | MaryAnn Worobiec | August 2023
97
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
The Laird 2018
Stunning, with an effusive mix of fresh wild blackberry, black walnut liqueur, salted black licorice, dark chocolatecovered espresso bean, spiced plum compote and rich black cherry cobbler flavors. Shows dense, toothsome tannins (and flavors), but with an incredible sense of polish and an even more impressive finish, where the flavors swirl around each other and linger effortlessly. Shiraz. Drink now through 2039.
The Factor 2020
Concentrated, with lovely Dutch cocoa overtones to the core of blueberry, blackberry preserves and framboise. Reveals details of rosemary, eucalyptus and sandalwood that add aromatic complexity on the long finish, while a note of vintage cigar lingers. Shiraz. Drink now through 2034
93
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
RunRig 2020
Aromatic and distinctive, with oolong tea, sage and a touch of lavender, plus accents of salted toffee to complement the core of blueberry and blackberry notes. Delivers dense but fine-grained tannins, firming up on the finish, where cigar box notes linger. Shiraz and Viognier.
Descendant 2020
Generous and spicy, with clove, cardamom and oregano accents to the huckleberry, boysenberry and wild blackberry flavors at the core. Reveals compact tannins that have appealing traction, but leave a velvety impression. Shiraz and Viognier. Drink now through 2029.
Les Amis 2020
Elegant, polished and juicy, with cranberry, raspberry and blueberry flavors and details of lavender, white pepper and toasted green tea. Shows spicy accents of clove and nutmeg that linger on a seamless frame, gaining momentum on the finish. Grenache
Hillside Vineyard Grenache 2021
Perfumed and intense, with notes of fresh violet and dried rose petal, a core of fresh red fruit flavors and a touch of juicy blood orange at the core. Reveals toasted herbs and savory hints of forest floor and oolong tea that linger on the long, expressive finish. Drink now through 2036.
The Struie 2021
There's an appealing sense of restraint and balance to this red, with plenty of powerful notes of huckleberry, boysenberry and blueberry at the core, backed by more refined details of dried lavender, white pepper, gingerbread and Earl Grey tea. Shavings of dark chocolate and accents of clove linger on the long finish, gaining momentum. Shiraz.
The Steading 2021
Wonderfully dense, with notes of toasted chestnut, bittersweet chocolate, spiced plum and fleshy black cherry, plus details of cardamom, tobacco and fresh-cracked black pepper. Delivers dense tannins that firm up on the finish but never get in the way of the flavors.
Cuvee Juveniles 2021
This red features a core of fresh crushed raspberry and maraschino cherry flavors that are generous and fleshy, with a thread of juicy acidity and details of green tea and nutmeg. The tannins are so supple and polished theyre practically creamy, further adding to this wine's elegance. Grenache, Mataro, Carignan, Counoise and Shiraz. Drink now through 2033.
Cuvee Juveniles 2022
Stylish, with tangy cherry and berry flavors and notes of matcha, opening up to more spice and toast details. Shows cigar box and dried herbal notes, with a hint of sarsaparilla that lingers. Grenache, Mataro, Carignan and Counoise. Drink now.
91
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
Woodcutter's Shiraz 2021
This shows appealing density and concentration, with bittersweet chocolate, licorice and distinctive green, herbal notes of sage and rosemary, plus notes of loam. The juicy berry flavors at the core are generous and linger on the finish.
