Chris Zitzman 
Modus Operandi Cellars
Caldwell Vineyard Syrah
This is the 2019 Caldwell Vineyard Syrah from Jason Moore’s top line entitled Modus Operandi. Second time I’ve reviewed it- to the year, almost to the dot, so this should be interesting. After a breathe and a thorough decant, it unfolds as the minutes go by. The nose, which even just opened was expressive, is now blooming from the glass with hints of violets but bacon-fat is right on its heals. And dummy me pouring it a little too cold to start likely muting some of those deeper notes… but as it warms those fleshy notes and rich textures are coming to the fore. — a month ago
Wonderment Wines
Bacigalupi Vineyard Petite Sirah 2014
Dark and brooding with crimson hues, the 2014 Wonderment Petite Sirah is a stunner. I’ve never been a big fan of single varietal Petite Sirahs (save a few of much loftier prices)- but the outright class of the 2014 vintage of the Russian River Valley from where this puppy was born is in its glory. The nose is VERY expressive and is in no way shy. After given time to breathe, the nose leads to an absolutely silky, lush and seductive palate that has to be felt to be understood. It drips of a syrupy, plush, smokey boysenberry on the palate and just keeps expanding. The finish is remarkable. Flavors linger on the palate as if lit-up in neon and fade all the same. In sum: find it, drink it, love it. @winewarehouse — 2 months ago
Cantina del Pino
Gallina Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2021
The color of the Cantina del Pino “Gallina” Barbaresco, swear it, is “ruby squared”. While initially the nose was surprisingly muted, a quick decant seemed to turn the key to much greater depth. Stewed red fruits lead to a ‘growingly’ remarkable palate of bot power as well as finesse. While the tannins are obvious, evident, and young- it seems with every minute that goes by it relaxes. While doing so, revealing layer after layer of evolution and new experience. Like a lot of other Barbarescos: please be patient. Doing so will only reward you. — 11 days ago
Jonata Winery
El Desafio de Jonata Ballard Canyon Cabernet Sauvignon 2015
Wine of the year. I spent a chunk of change on this puppy made by Matt Dees out of Ballard Canyon in the Santa Ynez Valley out of faith. Well, faith and trust because I’m a huge fan of Mr. Dees so… I had cause. The 2018 vintage (a great one all around) was ripe for the picking for this astounding blend of 75% Cabernet Sauvignon, 14% Cabernet Franc, & 11% Perit Verdot. Even off the pop it was inviting, even as powerful as it be. After a quick decant, rich and silky aromas waft from the glass that lead to one of the most elegant palates I’ve come across this side of Paillaic. I’ve had some top-notch California Cults in my time- but this is something different. The nose itself is silken, with gentle notes of classic nuance and silken power that hints at what’s to come. And as this incredible blend finds its way onto the palate it simply overwhelms the senses in such a simple, beautiful way…it just hits all the buttons in a graceful and luxurious way that will only grow and bloom as you realize what you’ve been lucky enough to try.. while you may keep in mind that I’ve yet to try each and every North American wine, I’ve had examples of the Opus One, Quilceda. Creek, Hundred Acre, various Shraeders , the Modus Operandi “Antithesis” (which is entirely overlooked in its own right)- this is the one that makes me want to throw it against the very best of the “First Growths”. it’s just phenomenal. Get it while you can. — a month ago
Belondrade
Quinta Apolonia Verdejo
Straw-gold in color, the 2023 Belondrade “Quinta Apolonia” from the Castilla y Leon region of Spain is a lush (and beautiful) example of the Verdejo grape that is prominent throughout the Rueda region of Spain. The nose is inviting and rich, exemplifying all of the character traits that have helped to propel this Spanish beauty upon the unsuspecting masses. Hand-picked, the care taken during harvest expresses itself in the finished product. This is a full-bodied white that brings receipts. With its gold-rimmed nose to its perfect balance, the Belondrade Quinta Apolonia is a luscious and vibrant example of both the grape and the region. — 2 months ago
Fattoria Colsanto
Ruris Sangiovese Blend
A light-bodied, delightful blend of Sangiovese and Sagrantino- a grape I’m really starting to warm to. This particular wine is kind of the ‘baby’ of the family of the Umbrian producer Col Santo. Rich ruby color that leads to a relaxed but bright nose of red berries. The palate, too, is very light but still brings a playful exuberance along with it and would pair with a broad range of food from chicken-based dishes to a good, greasy cheeseburger. While so may not rate the wine as highly as it may deserve- I’m encouraged enough to make a run through the rest of the estate’s offerings… with my eyes pinned squarely on their Sagrantino. So still: thumbs-up all the way, especially for the price. — 23 days ago
Jake Busching Wines
2B
Colección de Toneles Centenarios
Las Blancas Tradicionales Alicante Merseguera Malvasia 2024
A beautiful Spanish white blend from Canyada, Alicante; 50% Verdil, 25% Merseguera, 20% Macabeo, and 5% Alexandria. The nose of it alone and as it breaths is bountiful and expressive. Lots of lime, sea and surf jump out of the glass, and lead to a surprisingly lush and soft touch on the palate. And for as delicate as the body is, the finish just seems to grow and grow. Remarkable balance and stone fruit rest on the finish and with each sip those characteristics only seem to expand. Everything about this wine is a “grower”, if ya know what I mean. — 2 months ago
Chris Zitzman
The 2023 Cameron Winery “Ribbon Ridge” Pinot Noir is a completely different animal from its sibling from the ‘Dundee Hills”. The latter is fat, juicy, and stuffed with fruit. The Ribbon Ridge, to me, comes off as the much more mature older brother. Not austere: but it takes a bit of conversation to really get to know him. Far more depth and structure- and while maybe not as playful as the Dundee Hills- the Ribbon Ridge, to me, is undoubtedly the first born. — 9 days ago