Chris Zitzman 
Modus Operandi Cellars
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2013
Villa Calcinaia
Casarsa Rosso Colli della Toscana Centrale IGT Merlot
Modus Operandi Cellars
Vicarious Pinot Noir
The 2020 “Vicarious” Pinot Noir is now officially an enigma to me. I’ve had three bottles of it over the past month. Each bottle has grown progressively in expression as well as character. We’re talking about three different wines in that short span of time. The best news being: every time I open a bottle it gets better.
2020 was a difficult vintage for, well all of us really, Sonoma Coast and County included, which is where the Vicarious was sourced. That said, there’s a very real resilience to this Pinot and I’m becoming more aware of it each time I pop a fresh bottle.
It’s a bit green in both its nose and palate- but there’s life there. Life, so to say, if not maturity.
By the time you read this it will have likely changed again.
To me, more than any other measure like ‘points’ or ramblings of bramble berries found on a forrest floor- the 2020 Vicarious Pinot Noir is proof that wine is very much a living thing.
As well as a delightful example. — a year ago
Modus Operandi Cellars
Gaps Crown Vineyard Pinot Noir
Tried the ‘21 Gaps Crown, this bottle being a good six months from last we tried - and it is clearly rounding into form. From the looks of it- the how is a Cab. As in: ‘did I open the right bottle?’ Kind of double-take. But the second you breathe it in and take a few sips, well; you’ll find yourself back at the same question that you have an inclination has so-far gone unsolved. This is the third bottle we’ve opened of the same wine & vintag; some three months apart. To put a fine point on it: it’s from high-end stock that’s starting to come into its prime. And what a prime is be. — 2 months ago
Domaine Nico
Soeur et Freres Grand Mere Pinot Noir 2020
2020 vintage, which it seems was a little uneven in Argentina (???). Very bright & light cherry in color. As mentioned in another (insightful) review regarding it, this is a high-altitude, light, bright, and earthy example of the grape. Expressive on the nose with great acidity on the palate. For its price (all-in with a $15 corkage we paid $46) we enjoyed all it brought to a wonderful meal @FatCanary, in Williamsburg. — a year ago
Bookcliff Vineyards
Cadenza Red Blend 2018
Blend of Cab Sauv, Malbec & Malbec. Young but accessible and forgiving as it breathes. — a year ago
Modus Operandi Cellars
Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon
2019 Modus Operandi ‘Napa Valley’, is what this is. The nose, as it breathes continues to offer notes of mixed bury, intense cassis and deeper paths of a striking evolution. The palate, as well, reveals deep cherry, cassis, a refreshing and intense feel that coats the palate with more chapters as it breathes. I’m finding it as to be one of the quiet knock-outs that very few of the Napa Cabs can be. This is a statement. — 6 months ago
The Other Guys
Leese - Fitch Firehouse Red 2018
I may be more partial to Thai (‘18) blend than most, because I am grooving on it. For the price in particular, the ‘18 Leese-Fitch brings a ton to the table. For being labeled simply as a general ‘red’ from the broad area of all of California- this brings it. Smoky plum and cedar notes then reveal a surprisingly rich and palate coating attack. Well composed tannins and a delightfully balanced finish makes this a find, if you can find it. Good juice! — a year ago
Chris Zitzman
2021 Fallen Tree Vineyard, Petit Verdot. A rich, crimson color gives way to a surprisingly expressive nose of leather, cigar box and crushed raisins. The texture, while powerful, is deft in its subtly, complexity, and evolution. The finish holds-up to the texture that goes before it, though its youth is showing just a tad. You’d never guess Virginia. — 10 days ago