Bruce Dunbar

9.0

Six bottles drink between 2008 and 2026 with early notes showing a beautiful balance of sweet fruit, acidity and slate minerality. Sadly, bottles opened ‘24 and ‘26 had bad corks and slight oxidation. Rating for early bottles if you’re lucky enough to have some and the corks are intact. — 3 days ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.0

Ten years post vintage, the 2016 shows little sign of age. Dark, warming, smooth and rich. Dusty tannins and the 15.5% alcohol has mellowed as has the typical peppery bite on the back-end of Zins. All around, still drinking great — 2 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

8.8

It’s said the Hayne Vineyard is California royalty and if so, the ‘23 is more William than Harry. Reserved, polished, but approachable, not the hedonist that some Hayne Zin vintages can be. A long, cool growing season resulted in a drier, dark-fruited and slightly earthy wine that drinks really well with a little air but doesn’t have the sweet, high-toned red-fruit notes of some vintages. It may be King one day, but one that serves its people — a delicious, food friendly wine — over itself. — 3 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

8.8

A wonderful mix of bright and soft notes. Honeysuckle, lemon sherbet, white chocolate, slate. — a month ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.1

Released on the five year anniversaries of Archery Summit’s Arcus Vineyard, the wine celebrates the core of vineyard, Block 18. The 2023 30th Anniversary is a deep and beautiful wine despite being translucent in the glass. The nose is deep and earthy with hints of red berries and the palate has layers and dark and red fruit with a hint of iron. — a month ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.0

Beautiful golden color. Toast, lemon pith, slate, bright acidity. Chablis meets champagne in California? A great food sparkler. — 3 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

8.8

Rich and round from its Roussane roots. Melon, floral notes, lightly oily, layered. Coming along nicely with a couple years in the bottle. — 3 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

8.8

Now with a bit of age, the ‘23 Lulu is a beautiful rose gold color. Still vibrant but with softer edges. Strawberry hull, pink-hued florals, a touch of oxidation. Stands up to food but on light feet. — a month ago

Bruce Dunbar

8.9

A very fun and highly drinkable wine that everyone at the Sunday family dinner could enjoy. Moderate acidity, bright red fruit, managed to have some depth without losing approachability. Another great Shake Ridge Barbera from Bedrock — 2 months ago

Bruce Dunbar

9.1

Full of bright, red fruit with grainy but mild tannins, a whiff of oak and some soy notes, the 2020 Calico Syrah (released 2025) is fresh, fruit forward and surprisingly light on its feet. Really enjoyable with some time in the glass. — 2 months ago