Wine Spectator's Inside Weekly | MaryAnn Worobiec | July 2026

Reviews by MaryAnn Worobiec, she "joined Wine Spectator in 1997 and was promoted to senior editor in 2013. She is lead taster for the wines of Australia and New Zealand, as well as California Chardonnay. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a degree in political science and sociology, Worobiec worked for the Ohio House of Representatives before falling in love with wine. Her passion was sparked when visiting wineries in New York’s Finger Lakes region in the early 1990s, where she discovered that wine doesn’t have to be intimidating. She moved to Northern California to pursue her interest in wine and work alongside people passionate about what they do." - WineSpectator

An exciting look at our editors' most exciting new wines | July 15 2026

THE SINGLE VINEYARD SERIES

2022 Holy Grail
Seppeltsfield Road, Seppeltsfield, Barossa Valley Shiraz
94 points

Pure and juicy black cherry flavors are smooth and polished, showing notes of milk chocolate and maraschino cherry, with details of clove, gingerbread and sticky toffee pudding, plus accents of pepper, smoked paprika and teak. The seamlessness and energy really set this apart, as does the generous finish. Drink now through 2039. —M.W.

2022 Secret Block 
Wildlife Road, Moppa Hills, Barossa Valley Shiraz
94 points

Distinctive notes of black licorice, dried porcini, mahogany, cedar, clove, amber and tonka bean leap out of the glass, while star anise–tinged flavors of plum, blackberry and blueberry preserves are at the dense, fleshy core. Velvety tannins add a sense of polish, with plenty of persistence on the finish, along with a hint of cigar box aromatics. Drink now through 2041. —M.W.

2022 Yacca Block
Menglers Hill, Eden Valley Shiraz
93 points

Deep and complex, with loamy earth accents to complement the inky-dark flavors of blackberry, blueberry preserves and salted black licorice. Shows notes of malty Assam tea, freshly cracked black and white pepper, toasted cumin and tobacco, and sage, plus a whiff of cedar. The flavors are dense and harmonious on the long finish. Drink now through 2041. —M.W.