Bedrock’s California Syrah brings together some of the great Syrah vineyards in California in an incredibly well-priced wine. The ‘23 hits you with the big nose that is a signature of this wine — dark berry and cinnamon like a fresh baked pie this year. The fruit is more reticent on the palate, perhaps the result of a long, very cool growing season. It leans toward graphite and earthiness. A solid, if not outstanding vintage, still high on the price/quality ratio. — 4 months ago
Bedrock’s 2023 Bien Nacido Roussanne is a prodigy. Made from a tiny parcel, it hits so many high notes in its youth, it’s hard to imagine what maturity might bring. Beautiful color, rich mouthfeel, both oily and light on its feet, layers of balanced fruit and acids. The only down side is it’s availability is inverse to its quality. — 5 months ago
A rare Priorat white made from Carignan Blanc (labeled as Varietats Antigues), this has apple and pear like white fruits, a bit of green/herbal undertone and nice acidity. — 15 days ago
This wine was so sweet and syrupy out of the gate that it almost overpowered with its dark fruit compote qualities. With some air, it mellowed revealing pencil lead and menthol undertones to somewhat balance it. Very young, very rich, with a beautiful nose and color, I’ll let the rest of the lot sleep a while. — 4 months ago
Another very good Rodger’s Creek from Ramey. The 2018 hits your nose and palate with loads of dark fruit and backs it up with earthy flavors and gentle tannins. Always a favorite and this vintage is right in line. — 5 months ago
Fantastic! A quintessential barbaresco where subtlety outshines power. Rose, earth, spice, dark but not heavy fruit. If this isn’t its prime, I can’t imagine it’s better. — 2 months ago
From the much hyped 2023 vintage, this is a very balanced and nuanced dry Riesling that is easy drinking in its youth and food friendly. A mix of white florals and rocky undertones with very subdued acidity. — 4 months ago
Pear, chalk and floral nose. Apple, honeysuckle, slate and lemon meringue palate. The 23 Sonoma Coast Chard from Rivers-Marie is really crisp, light on its feet and lets the fruit shine through. — 4 months ago
The ‘23 may not be the best Turley Juvenile ever, but it remains a solid value wine that’s very drinkable now (4/25 and the next ~5 years). Beautiful in the glass — pinkish purple with nearly neon edges — it lets off aromas of strawberry, kirsch, and cocoa in a heady, powerful nose. The fruit dissipates on the palate though, leaning into minerality, cola, sour cherry and a touch of pepper alongside a dusty finish. It’s an interesting and enjoyable, if not enthralling, blend. — 5 months ago
Bruce Dunbar
A beautiful blend that somehow shows each element while being nicely integrated. Rich, round, Semillon and bright, floral and citrusy Sauvignon Blanc. Highly age-worthy — 8 days ago