Chase Heibel

9.3

The Bricoleur Vineyards 2019 Syrah from Kick Ranch Vineyard in the Fountaingrove District AVA is a captivating expression that beautifully melds the characteristics of its unique terroir. This Syrah, a testament to region, presents a deep, velvety structure that echoes the influence of the diverse geology.

The nose opens with an enticing bouquet of ripe blackberries and plums, showcasing the warmth of the Fountaingrove District's climate. Undertones of black pepper and subtle spices add an intriguing Old World charm, reminiscent of the Northern Rhône style. These nuances intertwine with delicate floral notes, perhaps a nod to the higher elevations and diurnal temperature variations within the AVA.

On the palate, the wine unveils a harmonious marriage of flavors. The well-integrated tannins, higher alcohol, and medium acidity, provide a structured backbone, reminiscent of the classic Syrahs from Sonoma County.

What sets this Syrah apart is its finesse—a balance between the bold, ripe fruit indicative of the region's warmth and the elegance reminiscent of Old World Syrahs. The Bricoleur Vineyards 2019 Syrah is a delightful fusion of the best of both worlds, offering a unique and sophisticated journey for those seeking a Syrah that bridges the styles of the Northern Rhône and Sonoma County. — 2 years ago

Chase Heibel

10

The Orsi Family Wines 2018 offers a lighter than expected nose that hints at its intricate character. With a medium body and high acidity, it strikes a balanced harmony that makes it a versatile choice. The interplay of medium tannins adds depth without overwhelming the palate. The palate is graced with flavors of ripe black cherry, beautifully complemented by a subtle note of white pepper, providing a delightful complexity. This Aglianico is an enjoyable and easy-to-drink wine, perfect for savoring on its own or paired with a fatty dish. — 2 years ago

Chase Heibel

9.0

The 2018 Zulal Areni is a testament to the purity of Armenia's indigenous grapes. With a bouquet of red cherries, plums, and a hint of pepper, it offers an aromatic experience. Its medium body is balanced by a refreshing acidity, revealing concentrated flavors of cranberries and spices on the palate. Paired with a mushroom-based chicken pot pie, the wine's vibrant notes complemented the dish phenomenally. 9 captures the delightful experience this wine offers. Would definitely revisit. — 2 years ago

Chase Heibel

9.0

These 111 year old vines are still producing, with the help of J. Rickards, nicely balanced wines that are a great representation of northern Sonoma County Zinfandel. Clean dark ruby color with medium nose of gingerbread and dark fruit. Although high alcohol, the soft tannins and high acid create a nice mouth feel with lingering warmth. The tastes of cranberry, blackberry jam, cinnamon & dark chocolate are medium lived but there is a lingering of spices. Overall, a very enjoyable wine that I would happy to revisit over and over. — 2 years ago

Chase Heibel

9.1

Clear pale yellow with crisp flavors of pear and honeysuckle with a hint of creaminess and strong minerality. This aromatic wine with its high acid, medium bod and clean but long finish is something I would definitely revisit again and again. This is a varietal and region worth continued exploration. — 2 years ago

Chase Heibel

8.9

The Saint-Esprit 2020 Côtes-du-Rhône Delas offers a commendable representation of the region. On the nose, it presents a medley of red and black fruit, accompanied by subtle hints of black pepper and a touch of dried herbs. The palate showcases a balanced interplay between its fruit-forward character and a well-integrated acidity. Medium-bodied, it carries a structured frame of fine-grained tannins, providing a pleasant texture. While the wine exhibits a satisfactory length on the finish, there’s a slight yearning for more complexity and depth. Overall, the Saint-Esprit 2020 is an enjoyable, approachable Côtes-du-Rhône, though it doesn’t quite reach the heights of exceptional. — 2 years ago