A couple of months ago, during the heat of the summer, I was captivated by the fresh minerality of Markus Wine Co 2020 Nativo from Lodi. Now with the cooler weather, I opened up a red wine from Markus and was equally impressed. That is why the Markus Wine Co 2018 Markus Zeitlos from Lodi is the Please The Palate wine of the week.

Like he does with his white wines, winemaker Marus Niggli likes to blend grapes together like an artist blends colors. And the 2018 Markus Zeitlos is a  beautiful blend showcasing classic Lodi grape varieties and Lodi terroir. The wine is a blend of 80% Syrah Clone 877 and 15% Petite Sirah, both from the Borra Vineyards Gill Creek Ranch, which was planted 2001, and 5% Carignane from the Spenker Ranch Block 4, which was planted in 1900. The grapes were picked and fermented in stainless steel with native yeasts. The final blend then spends 21 months in one-year-old French oak.

A rich and refined wine with notes of tart raspberry, black cherry, blueberry, plum, violets, coffee, and baking spices, the 2018 Markus Zeitlos is full-bodied and bold. On the palate, it is also fresh with fine-grained, lightly gripping tannins and elegant acidity.

Well-balanced, enjoy the Markus Wine Co 2018 Markus Zeitlos, which retails for $39, with grilled lamb or steak or perhaps a meaty burger. It is easy to enjoy this wine!