Year after year one of the best wine bargains from California is Marietta’s non-vintage concoction, this year called Lot # 44 Old Vine Red. This is one of those blends made from everything but the kitchen sink, including Carignane, Zinfandel, Petite Sirah, Alicante, and numerous mixed black varietals. Satisfying as well as a fine value, Lot # 44 possesses a deep ruby/purple color as well as a sweet nose of black fruits, underbrush, and pepper. This medium-bodied, soft effort is more superficial than usual, but will offer tasty drinking over the next year. Tel (707) 433-2747; Fax (707) 857-4910