Chris Zitzman

9.1

A golden pear hue on the eyes, this Alsatian blend of Riesling, Sylvaner, Pinot Blanc, Muscat, Pinot Gris, and Gewurtztraminer has a rich, viscous bit of swirl to it which leads to an ample helping of white fruits and limestone on the nose. After a bit of a breath the body gracefully develops and concentrates into a single and soulful note that works all of the wine’s components into an extremely well-balanced expression of all that’s involved. These kinds of white blends from Alsace, to me at least, are a dramatically over-looked treasures that (for the moment) are waiting patiently for those of us thirsty at our local wine shops. — 4 days ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.5

Dominant Mellon on the nose and just a gorgeous evolution of white fruits that blossom as it breathes. This is a delicate white wine going on a decade-old and man does it bring it. The texture is both refreshing and lush. Soft and curvy in all the right ways. I think I’m smitten. Clearly this was well-stored. Somebody loved her ;). — 2 months ago

with Beth

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. — 5 months ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.1

Whoah! Bright fruit just jumps out of the glass. Great balance on the palate with a stand-out mineral component. Finishes cleanly with enough of a linger to make you want another go. — 4 days ago

Chris Zitzman

9.2

Chris had this a month ago

Chris Zitzman

9.4

Nfn: this is a Bordeaux-caliber Claret from a vineyard and winery tucked within the Shenandoah Valley of Virginia. Clearly there’s Merlot as a prominent voice in the blend- but there’s no doubt that Cab Franc, Petit Verdot, and maybe some Cabernet Sauvignon play their own parts.
#enjoy — 4 months ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.2

It’s the 2019 “Vicarious” Cabernet Sauvignon produced by Modus Operandi Cellars. Made by Jason Moore. IF you can find it- get it. $40 range (?) and as good as I’ve ever had at that price point. While hints of oak find their way to the nose, it’s the body that brings this one home. Rich, full and ever-growing on the palate, As it breathes the finish itself grows and leaves behind it a silky, surprisingly lush array of cassis, stewed cherry, and a texture that’s not often found in Cabs from Cali. Particularly at this price. — 8 months ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.4

While clearly a labor of love from a family who cares to express it, the 2021 Santa Barbara County Syrah needs time to breathe and allow to open itself up. While a little pour right from the rip is never a bad idea, this particular Piedra Sassi benefits and blossoms from a thorough decant and a smidge of patience. It must be said : I’m getting not only getting good gobs of both wholehearted and heartfelt tones of ‘home’, but deeper notes of some brilliant wine-making going on. This one’s going to be tough to beat for the $. — a month ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.3

Deep, rich ruby in color hinting that this wine is simply not messing around. Didn’t take much of a breathe for the goodness of this particular Martin Woods ‘Koosah Vineyards’ to come gushing out of the glass. Nose-coating, stewed cherries lead to a full-bodied palate that has a remarkable, lingering finish. Each dip into the glass will be subtly different, but there is no doubt at all of this wine’s caliber as well as its consistency. Rock star stuff. — 3 months ago

with Beth

Chris Zitzman

9.7

The Jonata “Flor” is a damn good reason to fall back in love with Sauvignon Blanc (wish a dash of Semillon). Fresh and crisp yet lush and silky- all at the same time. And it evolves. From the nose to every bit of the palate, the “Flor” is a masterpiece. — 7 months ago

with Beth