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. — 12 days ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.1

2025 vintage. Tasty! 4.15.26. — 3 months ago

Guy Acheson

8.9

Clean. Interesting. — 3 months ago

Deb Hollander

9.1

Loved the hint of cherry and the balanced tannins. — 4 months ago

Erica Cessna

9.0

Kristian brought to dinner — 5 months ago

Bernard Benninghoff

9.6

Great tasting blend. — 6 months ago

with Brenda

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. — 5 days ago

Amy

9.0

master the world — loved!! — 21 days ago

Steve Mitchell

9.3

The 2023 is a ruby red, full bodied Pinot with a smooth silky finish. Paired with a salad and grilled salmon. — a month ago

J Sullivan

9.0

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

Ted

9.1

Herbs, cinnamon and hints of incense. Light color. Pretty damn good. — 5 months ago

with Jeni

Sonia Ross

9.0

December wine, paired with pan seared Pacific sockeye salmon. — 7 months ago

Tim O’Brien

9.3

Really good cab sav someone gave us for engagement, not bitter at all but still rich (in a good way) — 17 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 — 17 hours ago

Elizabeth Vecseri

9.0

Dark fruity, succulent. Light tannins. Enjoyable on a cool spring evening to sip. Plum, blackberry, tobacco, light mineral aftertaste. — 2 months ago

KA

9.2

Grand Havana Room — 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

A Smith

9.2

One of my favorites. I think the Cabernet Sauvignon is a little better. This one is so very smooth. Don’t know how to describe taste. — 5 months ago

Cheyenne Jaime

8.9

Fun & easy sipping! — 6 months ago