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
Notes of fresh blueberries, raspberries, lavender, and pink peppercorn, some fertile soil undertones as well. This Syrah is de-stemmed, polished, with a bit more fruit than its whole cluster companion. A hint of oak adds a touch of vanilla and brown sugar to the long finish.
Dried black cherry with fresh cranberry and notes of herbaceous flavors, including oregano and thyme. Dried carnations are present as florals, along with a prosciutto-like cured meat element. Finally, a delicate touch of cedar and baking spice arrives in the finish. A stunning pairing with marbled beef or charcuterie.
This is the debut vintage of our newest red blend. Its special character is unique in a way that unlocks something unlike either varietal on its own. A medley of just ripened strawberry, red plum, and desiccated black cherries initially waft from the glass, followed by green notes of parsley and pine with the warmth of nutmeg spice. On the palate is dusty earth balanced by rich red peony, lavender, and hibiscus florals. This stunning wine is highly complex, balanced, and silky in texture.
High toned, complex, and refined. Featuring just ripe red currant and blackberries, crushed black pepper, violets, and abundant with whole cluster evidence. The whole cluster style gives a greener, parsley and pine essence. Earthy tones persist on the palate with tapenade, finishing with a hint of coffee.
Macerated black plum, mulberry, dried violets, white pepper, and brine. With air, this highly concentrated wine opens to a delicate black olive flavor. A very refined, silky texture with a fine balance between fruit and earth.
Terret Noir, a varietal many are unfamiliar with but are sure to love, is in great form in 2019. Bright red in color, with fruits of red currant, poached strawberries, and a touch of peach pit. A brambly, woody character develops in the glass, along with a fresh pink and red rose-like floral aroma. The wine finishes with a cured meat and herbaceous thyme flavor. This is another estate varietal that is gaining complexity as vine maturation continues.
There is a brilliant fresh nose on this beautiful Mourvèdre. Tart red raspberries, blood orange rind, red plums, and wild berries are joined by fresh pink and purple flowers, wisteria, and lavender blossoms. These are followed by a light touch of herbal earth tones. This 2019 vintage is showing quite well, the more our vines mature the more complex these wines are becoming.
Deeper and more brooding in expression than prior vintages. A beautiful, ruby color, with a complex nose of tart and baked red-fruits, red currant, raspberry, and black plum. Classic green herbaceous notes of bay leaf, oregano, and fennel seed meld with earthy wet clay. There is a touch of balsamic and florals that are reminiscent of red carnations and hibiscus petals. Slightly grippy tannins on the palate make this quite ageable or a perfect pairing with cheese and cured meat selections!
On the nose, this wine has fresh light red fruits, rhubarb, red cherry and pomegranate with a touch of red apple skin on the palate. Some white cherry blossom and red rooibos tea aromatics and flavors mingle as well. A touch of toasty oak and earth in the finish shows coconut husk and a cardamom-like spice that lengthens the finish. A complete wine with a silky texture.
