Merum Priorati
Destí 2022
The 2022 Desti, a Grenache dominant blend from the middle elevations of Merum’s vineyard in the Priorat, is wonderfully ripe and approachable even at this relatively early stage. Sweet black and red fruit, minerality and concentration showing the rocky soil of the region, a bit of balsamic and mild spice. The tannins are stiff, acidity is brisk and it runs a touch hot at 15.5%abv, all of which point to the potential of a long future and softer wine down the road. — a month ago
Rivers-Marie
Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir
Sharp raspberry and earthy nose. Brisk and bright acidity belying its youth. Fruit is currently tertiary — wonderful cherry syrup at the finish with air that I hope emerges over time. — 2 months ago
Bergström Wines
Sigrid Chardonnay 2023
Like the old joke about a hockey game breaking out at a fight, I went for the Pinot Noir and came out with a Chardonnay. This young Sigrid is clear and light with lemon pith, pear, slate, a touch of salinity and virtually no oak. Cool climate minimalism with room to develop depth over time. — 2 months ago
Turley
Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel
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. — a month ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
Dolinsek Ranch Heritage Red Blend
Young and fresh but showing many of the Dolinsek’s traditional traits: a big nose of blue and black fruits followed by a fruit forward wine of the same. It’s got bright acidity and firm tannins with a hint of black olive and pepper deeper in the wine. Drinking well now with loads of potential. — a month ago
Desire Lines Wine Co.
Kick Ranch Fountain Grove District Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2024
Recently released, the ‘24 Kick Ranch Sauvignon Blanc offers floral, grapefruit, chalky minerality and even a surprising undertone of caramel in the back end. It’s very nuanced and balanced, and not at all overpowering in the traditional SB flavor profiles. Food friendly and delicious with room to mature. — 2 months ago
Turley
The White Coat California Grenache Blanc Blend 2022
Rich and round from its Roussane roots. Melon, floral notes, lightly oily, layered. Coming along nicely with a couple years in the bottle. — a month ago
Turley
Hayne Vineyard Zinfandel
My note on a previous bottle was only “excellent” and, now, a few years later in March 2026, I’d say the same, perhaps with an exclamation point. A huge boysenberry nose leaps from the glass, followed by a silky and jammy wine loaded with strawberry compote, minerality and a beautiful funkiness. Tons of depth. One of the best of Turley’s flagship offering and so far my top wine of the year. — a month ago
Ramey Wine Cellars
Rodger's Creek Vineyard Syrah
I’ve been tasting bottles of the 2013 since 2016 and they have consistently improved over those 10 years from ‘tight and flat’ to ‘layered, super smooth, loaded with dark fruits, graphite and a little pepper’ for the most recent bottle (3/26). This has emerged as one of the best Rodgers Creek’s I have in a collection spanning 13 vintages from 2006 on. — 2 months ago
Bruce Dunbar
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 — 16 hours ago