Chris Zitzman

10

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. — 16 days ago

Jake Hajer

9.2

Dark complex blend. Lots of different varietals and muddled coffee, cherry, dark fruit flavors. — 6 months ago

AnneMarie Girard

9.1

Mission Wines — 3 years ago

Conrad Green

9.3

Dark peppery fruit. Lush with black cherry. Good balance. Delicious — 2 months ago

with Peter, Gregg and 1 other

Karyn Fricke

8.9

Orange blossom, citrus and minerals aromas. A little tangy acidity with a soft finish. Good by itself and with food. — 6 months ago

Roman Ochocki

9.0

It's sharp, tannic and very dry. Some dark fruit (nose only), touch of vanilla and overwhelming leather, dark chocolate, earthy in general. — 9 months ago

M. Christopher Roebuck

9.4

Nica Libre!

94 points — 4 years ago

Adam Shaylor

9.1

Best grocery store wine I’ve had since moving here. Maybe it’s this vintage, but it was super well balanced. A really nice blend of Garnatxa, Syrah, Cab, Merlot, & Carinyena. — 2 months ago

Sergio Fernández de Córdova

9.5

Global advisory meeting dinner. — 4 months ago

Chris Zitzman

9.4

Smoky!

Want a reason to try some California Sangiovese?

There ya be. As it opens the fruit just seems to erupt- and all the while the smoke just kicks back, feet up, waiting.

Just outstanding. — 8 months ago

with Beth