The anticipation and patience displayed holding this for 10 years was amply rewarded. Clear, brick-ish color, tight nose that eventually opened to loads of red fruit, Burgundy like in its combination of lushness and reserve. Subtle and layered even after all these years. — a month ago
Recently released (3/24), the 2022 Sonoma Coast Pinot from Rivers Marie has loads of potential and a great price point. Medium dark, dusky purple. BlackBerry and underbrush in the nose. Light in its feet, rich, a bit of berries and cream, solid backbone of tannin to let resolve. — a month ago
The ‘22 Monte Rosso Cab from Bedrock (and seriously old vines) is nearly black, has a beautiful nose of graphite, blackberry and port, and subtle dark fruit, mineral tones, and tannins. Like its predecessors, it is a bit standoffish this young with lots of potential. — 6 days ago
The ‘22 B Theriot from Rivers-Marie is a delicious, fruit forward pinot. It’s a dusty, medium purple with a big berry/cherry nose. There’s loads of bright red fruit, with gentle acids and no discernible tannin. It finishes with a slightly smoky undertone. Excellent — 19 days ago
Last of my ‘03 Bransons. Like going to watch a late career slugger, it still had some pop but lacked the intense power of earlier years. Bright, tangy fruit but few layers and depleted tannins. Thanks for the memories! — a month ago
It’s early, likely very early, to be messing with the ‘21 Hayne Petite Syrah from Turley. Typically inky, this new vintage has a mineral driven nose that’s crisper than usual. It’s velvety smooth, loaded with plum, lead pencil, and other good dark things. The tannins are firm to steely at this point; the rest are going away for 5-15+ years. — a month ago
Released 3/24, the ‘22 North Slope Pinot is a clear cherry color with a vibrant nose of raspberry. It’s smooth and elegant with red fruit notes galore, a nice structuring acidity and a hint of smoke on the finish. One of the better North Slopes in recent memory. — 6 days ago
The recently released (3/24) Bodega Theriot Chardonnay from Rivers-Marie is excellent. Sunlit straw color, subtle nose, beautiful white fruits, crushed stone and the slightest bit of oak at the back to round it off. This should gain depth from its existing heights! — 18 days ago
Newly released (3/24); almost colorless but beautiful aromas of lychee and pear; compact on the palate — melon, honeysuckle, more lychee; despite the sweet/floral descriptors it has well defined edges. A great quality Chard at a reasonable price — a month ago
Bruce Dunbar
Still vibrant and full bodied, the ‘07 Malbec Argentino from Catena Zapata is loaded with blue and black fruit, oak and leather. Despite its boldness, there are layers and structure to keep it from being overpowering, both from mild tannins and minerality. Enjoy at our next asado or save for a few years. (5/24h — 2 days ago