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2020 Gaintza, Txakolina Blanco, Getariako Txakolina DO, Spain.A fabulously crisp, almost fizzy fresh and salty, the Gaintza is a ultra bone dry white that is a perfect wine to enjoy…

2019 Jolie-Laide, Syrah, Halcon Vineyard, Yorkville Highlands, Mendocino County.One of California’s best young winemakers and one of California’s most unique and prized vineyard sites are brought together again here with…

2018 The Hilt, Pinot Noir, Estate, Sta. Rita Hills.Matt Dees has made a beauty here with this 2018 Estate Pinot Noir, this vintage of The Hilt (sister property to the…

2012 Maison Pierre Morlet, Premier Cru Brut Champagne, Avenay-Val-d’Or, France.This small Champagne house is always a rare treat to experience and this mineral driven Pinot Noir led 2012 vintage is…

2018 Meliville, Syrah, Estate, Sta. Rita Hills.The beautifully drinking deeply garnet/purple 2018 Melville Syrah has started to evolve nicely with complex layering and loads of savory crunch along with pretty…

2021 I. Brand & Family Winery, Arneis, Vista Verde Vineyard, San Benito County.The second release of Arneis from Ian Brand and his I. Brand & Family Winery is very exciting…

N.V. Nicolas Maillart, Extra Brut, Platine, Premier Cru Champagne, France.I was recently introduced to the exciting Champagne of Nicolas Maillart with his lovely Brut Rosé, but this extremely precise and…

2020 Samuel Louis Smith, Chardonnay, Spear Vineyard, Sta. Rita Hills.This wine, with its Chablis like stony intensity, is one of my favorite domestic Chardonnays, with each vintage I find more…

2017 Cantina Gostolai, Rosa ‘e Monte, Vino Bianco, Sardinia, Italy.This intriguing golden white wine from Gostolai is made from mainly an ancient local varietal, Vernaccia Oristano that is estate grown…

2017 Piedrasassi, Syrah, Bien Nacido Vineyard, Santa Maria Valley.In the 2017 vintage releases, I have really enjoyed the Sta. Rita Hills and this Bien Nacido bottling of Syrahs from winemaker…