Chris Zitzman 
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. — a month ago
Cantina Terlan
Kreuth Terlano Chardonnay 2010
Deep, golden-hue in color, the 2020 Terlano “Kreuth” (100% Chardonnay) is a lush, full-bodied example of the variety. Hints of star fruit and bright citrus notes greet the nose, but it’s on the palate where this wine be shinin’ right now. Full-bodied, rich and glorious is the texture, pinned down by an uncanny mineral-driven sense of place. I learned a long time ago that you just can’t write-off ANY of the Chardonnay that comes from the Alto-Adige region of Italy- or ANYWHERE from Italy for that matter. As it breathes it comes into its own, changing with every breath and reinforcing itself on the finish. See simply: do not overlook. — 2 months ago
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. — 11 days 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 — a month ago
Field Recordings
Wonderwall Santa Barbara County Pinot Noir
No need to decant this one as it displays a delightful bright crimson from the jump. As it breathes in the glass I’m getting light notes of clove, amidst other red berries. The palate is light, with fine tannins outlining the mid-palate to a light and delightful finnish. Nice little Pinot if you can find it — 2 months 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. — 25 days ago
Bedrock Wine Co.
Old Hill Ranch Heritage Sonoma Valley Red Blend
A blend of Zinfandel, Grenache, Mataro (among others) combine to bring a deep, lush, and leggy ruby hue to what’s already a stunner as it’s just begun to breathe. It’s a full-bodied, rich wine without a doubt. The nose is pronounced and reveals oodles of macerated raspberries. The quick decant has really helped to soften the acidity and without a doubt has helped to reveal both the texture and depth. This is a big, bold wine that has received massive scores from top critics, but I feel I may be missing something here in the translation. While the depth of the wine is clear, it really required the steak we had with it in order to lighten the sheer intensity of the wine. It needed to be paired to unveil its complexity, at least to me. Could be the wine’s youth as the Old Hill Ranch will undoubtedly become more and more accessible with some bottle aging. The famed critic Antonio Galloni gave this wine a 98 point score, so who am I to argue with it. Could be this one just flew over my head. I’ll be happy to revisit this puppy in a decade though ;). — a month ago
Chris Zitzman
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. — 6 days ago