The ‘22 Monte Rosso Cab from Bedrock (and seriously old vines) is nearly black, has a beautiful nose of graphite, blackberry and port, and subtle dark fruit, mineral tones, and tannins. Like its predecessors, it is a bit standoffish this young with lots of potential. — 3 months ago
The ‘22 B Theriot from Rivers-Marie is a delicious, fruit forward pinot. It’s a dusty, medium purple with a big berry/cherry nose. There’s loads of bright red fruit, with gentle acids and no discernible tannin. It finishes with a slightly smoky undertone. Excellent — 3 months ago
Last of my ‘03 Bransons. Like going to watch a late career slugger, it still had some pop but lacked the intense power of earlier years. Bright, tangy fruit but few layers and depleted tannins. Thanks for the memories! — 4 months ago
Built from 25 vineyards in nine counties, the Turley Juvenile is a summation of California Zinfandel in a single bottling. The ‘22, released this spring (‘24) is an excellent example, with bright berries and soft florals layered over darker fruits and a wonderfully smooth texture. Highly drinkable now and for the next several years. Let’s hope it stays one of the great bargains in California wine. — 2 months ago
The recently released (3/24) Bodega Theriot Chardonnay from Rivers-Marie is excellent. Sunlit straw color, subtle nose, beautiful white fruits, crushed stone and the slightest bit of oak at the back to round it off. This should gain depth from its existing heights! — 3 months ago
Newly released (3/24); almost colorless but beautiful aromas of lychee and pear; compact on the palate — melon, honeysuckle, more lychee; despite the sweet/floral descriptors it has well defined edges. A great quality Chard at a reasonable price — 4 months ago
Still vibrant and full bodied, the ‘07 Malbec Argentino from Catena Zapata is loaded with blue and black fruit, oak and leather. Despite its boldness, there are layers and structure to keep it from being overpowering, both from mild tannins and minerality. Enjoy at our next asado or save for a few years. (5/24h — 3 months ago
Released 3/24, the ‘22 North Slope Pinot is a clear cherry color with a vibrant nose of raspberry. It’s smooth and elegant with red fruit notes galore, a nice structuring acidity and a hint of smoke on the finish. One of the better North Slopes in recent memory. — 3 months ago
The anticipation and patience displayed holding this for 10 years was amply rewarded. Clear, brick-ish color, tight nose that eventually opened to loads of red fruit, Burgundy like in its combination of lushness and reserve. Subtle and layered even after all these years. — 4 months ago
Bruce Dunbar
The ‘23 Sonoma Valley SB from Bedrock is a minimalist version both of the wine and CA SB in general. Pale gold with light notes of grapefruit and lychee on the nose. Crisp and light on the palate with citrus, melon rind and a hint of flintiness. Very good and very drinkable on release. — 23 days ago