A ripe and jammy crowd-pleasing type of red blend, we review the Stel+Mar Red Blend from vineyards in Sonoma and Lodi.
A non-vintage (perhaps) red blend of 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah and 10% Petit Verdot from Sonoma and Lodi, California. The wine is aged 6 months in American oak.
(While the wine is labeled as non-vintage, the winery notes talk about the 2024 vintage so we’re guessing this must be mostly 2024.)
Sample submitted for review. The Stel+Mar Red Blend has an SRP of $20 but is available widely for as low as $13.
From the winery:
Stel+Mar Red Blend
Tasting Notes: This Red Blend — 50% Cabernet Sauvignon, 40% Syrah, 10% Petit Verdot — is bold, smooth, and full of personality. Blackberry, plum, and cherry cola lead, with vanilla, mocha, and warm spice from oak aging. Cabernet adds structure, Syrah brings lush fruit, and Petite Verdot deepens color and flavor. Rich, expressive, and easy to drink.
Fermented in traditional redwood tanks and aged six months in American oak, the blend keeps its vibrant fruit while gaining soft tannins and warm spice — classic craftsmanship with a fresh, youthful feel.
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From our sustainably certified STELLA vineyards in Sonoma and Lodi, farmed with cover crops, composting, natural pest control, and precision irrigation for balanced, concentrated fruit grown in healthy soils.
2024 Growing Season: A warm, dry summer and cool Sonoma nights preserved acidity, while Lodi’s smaller berries added richness and color — delivering a standout vintage with balance, structure, and vibrant flavor.
13.8% Alcohol
The Stel+Mar Red Blend opens with a ripe and jammy aroma of cherry, blackberry and strawberry that almost smells like Sweet Tart candy. There’s a bit of sweet spice and vanilla too.
Taking a sip reveals that this is a nice, crowd-pleasing type of red blend. It’s not overly complex but it’s put together well for short term enjoyment. Featuring good depth and juicy acidity, there’s a bit more to the wine in the mouth than the aroma suggests, which is nice.
It ends dry, juicy, just a touch grippy and with quite good length on the finish and was similar on day 2.
Looking for more of The Best Red Blends under $25? Browse all of our recommended wines in this category.
Review Summary
Stel+Mar Red Blend Review • Reverse Wine Snob
A ripe and jammy crowd-pleasing type of red blend, we review the Stel+Mar Red Blend from vineyards in Sonoma and Lodi.
7.8
Pros
- 89-90 Points
- Highly Recommended for the low price
Cons
- Non-vintage
- Might be too ripe and jammy for some
