Wine Spectator | MaryAnn Worobiec | September 2025
96
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
The Laird 2020
Offers an impressive, aromatic and deep mix of date-nut bread, huckleberry and plum flavors, with accents of sarsaparilla, sage and cigar box, plus aromatics of oud and mahogany. Grace notes of Saigon cinnamon, masala chai, chocolate mint and black walnut liqueur add complexity and length on a dense and velvety frame. Epic finish. Shiraz. Drink now through 2038.
96
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
The Forebear 2020
A stunning red, dark and dense, opening with flavors of Black Forest cake, candied walnut, graphite, cigar box and oud. Details of dried violet, espresso and green cardamom pod emerge on the finish, but for all of the concentration and density, there’s wonderful purity and elegance, with the plush tannins giving this plenty of style. Syrah. Drink now through 2040.
95
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
The Factor 2022
A stylish red, with framboise, maraschino cherry and plum notes that are juicy and generous. Offers details of cardamom, vanilla, clove and candied walnut, along with mocha accents that add a creamy touch to the tannins. Lush, showing candied violet elements that linger. Shiraz. Drink now through 2039.gh 2040.
94
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
RunRig 2022
Elegant and notable for the soft suppleness of its tannins, which highlight the juicy cherry, plum and wild berry flavors at the core. Details of gingerbread, olive and vanilla bean join a perfumed thread of violet, green cardamom and dried lavender that lingers on the long finish, where the tannins firm up gently. Shiraz and Viognier. Drink now through 2038.
92
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
Les Amis 2022
Exotic notes of sandalwood, dried rose petal, star anise and black walnut liqueur set the stage for ripe, plush blackberry, huckleberry and salted black licorice at the core. Tobacco, dried mint and sarsaparilla linger on the long, expressive finish, where the polished tannins shine. Grenache. Drink now through 2039.
92
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
Descendant 2022
Dense and firm, with plenty of muscular tannins to support the dark, concentrated flavors and floral thread of violet. Masala chai, graphite, clove and white pepper complement the core of blackberry cobbler and blueberry preserves, with a long, generous finish. Shiraz and Viognier
92
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
The Struie 2023
Juicy and energetic, with plenty of intensity to the flavors of blueberry preserves, cherry and wild blackberry. Notes of tea, malt and sandalwood linger alongside a touch of milk chocolate, with firm but open-knit tannins. Shiraz. Drink now through 2037.
90
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
The Steading 2023
Juicy fruit notes at the core of maraschino cherry and blueberry are appealing and bright, with details of spices, tobacco and white pepper. The smooth, supple tannins leave a terrific impression on the finish. Grenache, Shiraz and Mataro. Drink now.
90
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
Hillside Vineyard Grenache 2023
Plush and elegant, with fresh cherry notes and a touch of kirsch, along with strawberry preserves, plus a distinctive thread of clove- and cardamom-based spice and tobacco details. Shows plenty of harmony on the finish. Drink now.
88
MaryAnn Worobiec
WINE SPECTATOR
The Steading Blanc 2024
Plump notes of ripe melon, white peach and fig are round, ripe and elegant. Touches of beeswax, pear drop and lemon blossoms linger on the finish. Roussanne, Marsanne and Viognier. Drink now.
