Red Wines
A drawing of the original Maxcy homestead, winery, and vineyards from 1882.
Father Serra Junipero planted the first red wine grapes in California in 1779.
Less than a century later in 1850, Col. A.E. Maxcy planted vines on what is now part of Rancho Guejito and became one of the leading producers of wine in Southern California by the turn of the century. Though the original grapes are gone, our red wines pay hommage to the incredible history of California and the ranch.
Learn More About Our History
Colonnade has been one of our most popular red blends from the start. 2020 is a triumph of a vintage, with a blend of 52% Syrah and 48% Grenache. This is full-bodied, with an old-world style to it. Highly aromatic blackberry, blueberry, mulberries, and strawberries all in a tart and ripe form on the nose and palate. A cured meat and earth tone make this wine complete and sophisticated. Wild herbs, lavender, and fresh ground pink peppercorn add to the lovely complexity of flavors.
On the nose, the wine displays ripe red raspberries, crushed cherries, and a touch of tart black plum. Some of the classic Mourvèdre attributes are here: peppercorn, turned earth, and iron. The palate is mouthwatering and lengthy in its finish. This wine leaves you with a lingering herbal bay leaf flavor and a gravelly mineral tone. This is complex and delicious now and will also improve with time.
The long-awaited return of our popular red blend! La Linterna showcases dried black cherry, poached strawberries, and a hint of fresh black plum fruits followed by a touch of balsamic. Floral notes of hibiscus, red roses, and violets blend with clay-like earth tones. Cedar, black pepper, and a touch of clove spice linger in the finish.
Done in a more oxidative style, this Grenache features poached raspberry, dried fig, and prune-like fruits. A balsamic reduction, violets, and dried thyme create a complicated nose. The palate is assertive and grippy, making this a perfect pairing for marbled steak or charcuterie. The finish is long and bold. This is a terrific wine to age or open today.
A very bright rendition of Counoise, with delicate red fruits on the nose and palate, followed by tart and ripe red cherries, raspberry, and red currant. There is a bouquet of hibiscus and red carnation florals that leads into wet clay and turned earth met by herbaceous sage. The palate is soft and elegant and will be further elevated with a slight chill.
A very delicate red that is delicious with a chill on it. This vintage includes aromas of red fruits in the form of currant, strawberry, and tart cranberry. The wine is a subtle, with delicate pink roses and fresh peppermint on the nose. The palate is slightly tannic, earthy, and woody making this an excellent pairing with pungent cheeses and charcuterie.
