Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Margerum – M5 2024, Grenache Blend – Santa Barbara County, California, USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Inspired by the classic Southern Rhône blends, M5 is Margerum’s vibrant interpretation of Grenache-based reds. The 2024 vintage combines 40% Grenache, 35% Syrah, 12% Mourvèdre, 7% Counoise, and 6% Cinsault, delivering a wine crafted for youthful enjoyment, emphasizing freshness, purity, and drinkability over power or long-term aging.

Aromas & Flavors
Bright red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, cranberry, dried herbs, white pepper, and a touch of lavender unfold from the glass. The palate is juicy and energetic, highlighting crunchy red fruit with subtle spice and a savory finish.

Mouthfeel
Light to medium-bodied with vibrant acidity, silky texture, and barely noticeable tannins. Exceptionally smooth and mouthwatering, it leaves a long, cherry-driven finish that coats the palate without feeling heavy.

Food Pairings
Serve slightly chilled alongside charcuterie, grilled sausages, roast chicken, wood-fired pizza, tuna steaks, salmon, tacos, or Mediterranean cuisine.

Verdict
A beautifully crafted chillable red that perfectly captures the joy of Rhône-inspired blending. Fresh, balanced, and incredibly approachable, it is equally capable of pleasing casual wine drinkers and seasoned enthusiasts alike.

Did You Know?
The name M5 stands for “Five Grapes, One Wine,” referring to its blend of Grenache, Syrah, Mourvèdre, Counoise, and Cinsault. While inspired by the Southern Rhône, Doug Margerum designed M5 to celebrate the freshness and coastal character of Santa Barbara rather than replicate the richer styles of Châteauneuf-du-Pape.

🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of red I love recommending when someone says they “don’t want anything too heavy.” Serve it with a slight chill, and it becomes one of the most versatile bottles around, fresh, vibrant, endlessly drinkable, and a reminder that serious winemaking doesn’t always have to take itself so seriously. One of Santa Barbara’s most joyful red blends. — 15 days ago

Amy

9.0

master the world — loved!! — 24 days ago

J Sullivan

9.0

I truly enjoyed this Chardonnay. Crisp with nice oak. — 3 months ago

Guy Acheson

8.9

Clean. Interesting. — 3 months ago

Jay Kline

9.2

Paolo Bea dinner at Semo. All wines were prepared by opening and slow-ox, prior to service. Abbreviated notes due to the setting. The The 2020 Santa Chiara appears a deep orange color with notes of marmalade, apricot, flowers, and varnish (VA). The palate shows low+ tannin and decent acid. Tasty, complex stuff as usual. A lovely pairing with gougère of prosciutto, green olive and honey. Drink now through 2030-ish. Bottle No. 2814/5940 — 5 months ago

Bernard Benninghoff

9.6

Great tasting blend. — 6 months ago

with Brenda

Neil Valenzuela

9.3

Deep purple, inky color. Aromas of blackberry, dried strawberries, forrest pine and violets. Flavors of boysenberry syrup, balsamic hints and oak finish.

🍇 63% Cabernet Sauvignon, 24% Petit Verdot, 13% Syrah

🏅93 Points - Vinous — 5 days ago

Matt Waring

8.9

Nice Syrah, if inconsistent. One sip lasts for days, the next is short. But on the whole, juicy and plush, with blackberry, plum, and candied orange — 4 days ago

Matthew Cohen

9.4

N white flowers.
P nice acid. Mineral. Undefined citrus. Elegantly rich. Burgundian.

Darkroom *

Grapevine 39 3/5 else 40.50 — 2 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Pale lemon color with stone and tropical fruit aromas and citrus floral notes adding an earthy spice from 10 months surlie aging. On the palate flavors of apple, pineapple and lemon citrus with floral and baking spice. Lively acidity, medium finish ending with fruit, citrus and earthy spice. — 3 months ago

Henry Fuseler

8.9

3/2026. Nice bold Syrah. Good flavor and nice on the palate. Paired well with the duck at Divino Rosso. — 4 months ago

Ted

9.1

Herbs, cinnamon and hints of incense. Light color. Pretty damn good. — 6 months ago

with Jeni

joy horn

9.9

Bought at Pine Orchard 11/25 $70 after tasting at Ridge in 10/25. Less expensive here. The 2023 is rated at 100 pts. Absolutely delicious. Floral aromas, lightly crisp, subtle oak, smooth finish. — 7 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.2

2025 vintage. $17 a bottle resto cost. Yeah, that's all. Underpriced and underrated. Two cases please and that'll last us 1.25-1.5 years. 7.8.26. — 8 days ago

Paul J

9.7

I can’t believe I stopped buying this. Most underrated and best value CA Chard out there. You need to try this! Rich, complex, and just fits my palate. — 18 days ago

Katie Fester

9.5

Open, delicious. Had a glass at Super Peach — 19 days ago

Robert Stackowiak

9.2

Golden color. Green apple and vanilla (light oak) on the palate. Age worthy. April 2026. — 3 months ago

KA

9.2

Grand Havana Room — 3 months ago

Michael Dierberg

9.5

This one had signs of seepage on it so I opened it planning on throwing it out. What an amazing wine and so fresh! Maybe another bottle seeped on to this one? — 5 months ago

Cheyenne Jaime

8.9

Fun & easy sipping! — 6 months ago