Our Rating
Santa Barbara County
Red Blend
The 2022 Marianello Cielo Rubio captures the Mediterranean influence that shapes much of Santa Barbara County’s red wine identity, but does so through a distinctly Californian lens. Built from estate-grown Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, Merlot, and smaller shares of Cabernet Franc, Petite Sirah, and Petit Verdot, this blend leans into structure and concentration. It’s the flagship red of the Marianello label, and while the style nods to Tuscany, the execution is clearly tailored to the soils and rhythms of the Santa Ynez Valley.
Sanger Family Wines represents a trio of Central Coast labels that merge European inspiration with California-grown fruit. While Consilience and Tre Anelli pull from Rhône, Spanish, and Italian traditions, Marianello centers on Italian varietals and culinary traditions. The winery’s footprint spans small vineyard blocks and a tasting room presence that reflects the regional lifestyle, unhurried, food-focused, and Mediterranean in its outlook. The Cielo Rubio is the standout expression from this label, pulling together multiple estate-grown varietals into a wine that favors age and structure over flash.
Brett Escalera’s approach to winemaking blends technical discipline with a relaxed sensibility that fits the Santa Barbara landscape. With decades of experience in the region, including foundational roles at Consilience and Tre Anelli, Brett brings a confident approach to his work. He avoids overt manipulation, preferring to let vineyard expression lead. In the Cielo Rubio, his choices, neutral oak aging, varietal layering, and restrained ripeness, point to a preference for balance and aging potential.
Look
The wine shows a deep ruby color with high viscosity. Clarity is excellent, with a glass-coating quality that reflects its full body and elevated alcohol.
Smell
Aromatics are pronounced, led by black plum and blackberry alongside savory notes of leather, graphite, and cured olive. There’s a touch of strawberry and dried hay that adds some lift, while oak tones bring vanilla and a faint smokiness.
Taste
On the palate, the wine is dry with full body, high tannins, and slightly restrained acidity. Dark fruit continues to lead, plum and black cherry, joined by savory tones of cigar box, olive, and a subtle floral impression of peony. Black pepper provides a spicy lift, and the long finish tapers with drying tannins and leather-driven persistence. Alcohol is high but managed, contributing weight without unbalancing the structure.
The 2022 Cielo Rubio presents a focused and layered blend that benefits from decanting or short-term cellaring. Its firm tannins and elevated alcohol are grounded by savory complexity and a well-measured use of oak. The wine is a grounded interpretation of the Super Tuscan style, showing both varietal expression and site-driven character. Built to hold through 2037.
USA
Santa Barbara County
Red Blend
14.8
Brett Escalera
1 Hour
Now to 3037
Sanger Family Wines
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