Birichino (biri-kino) was founded by a mischievous duo of Bonny Doon alumni. They work with a range of intriguing sites around the state, creating, in winemaker John Locke’s words, “drinking wines”. Their Malvasia is hauntingly aromatic, layered with candied fruit and flowers with an illusion of sweetness, while the palate is stunningly dry. Thrilling, lean and mineral, it’s enchanting.

The fruit is handpicked from Domaine Drouhin's Roserock vineyard in the Southern part of Eola-amity Hills AVA. 2014 is a good, classic vintage according to Veronique Drouhin and this wine is very tightly knit. There is a purity of red fruits that is most apparent, which is carefully balanced with more floral and herbal notes that add complexity. The tannins are savoury and there is a lively acidity that lingers on the finish.
Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer

Floral and restrained, the red fruit perfume is very enticing. Chalky and savoury tannin structure with a vibrant and zesty acidity. Very good and I would recommend lying a couple of bottles down to see how it ages after a few years.
Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer

The fruit comes from a mixture of premium vineyard sites within Russian River. This wine spent 12 months in just over 10% new French oak which gives the wine a richness and spice notes. Ripe stonefruit, jasmine and toasty aromas are balanced with a juicy acidity and a denisty and weight on the palate.
Fiona Hayes, Wine Buyer

Richer than the 2012 but with the same orange blossom fragrance that seems to be the hallmark of this exceptional site. 19 months in French oak (26% new) adds creaminess to the fruit power. Hugely impressive considering the vines are quite young – you can see why David Ramey really rates this site. I’d give this a couple of years in the cellar to shed some of the youthful exuberance. I’ve been a follower of David’s wines for a number of years and the latest releases are right at the top of the tree. Drink 2019 to 2025+.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

The 2014 Cabernet Sauvignon Estate is wonderfully savory and mineral, with a host of graphite, liquefied rock, floral and dark stone fruit notes that open up in the glass. Energetic, crystalline and beautifully focused throughout, the 2014 exudes class from the very first taste. Stylistically, it is a bit less generous than the 2013 was at the same stage in its life. This hypothetical blend is every bit as striking as the individual component lots suggested when I tasted them this past spring. Philip Togni adds that a larger than normal crop stretched out the harvest. Today, the 2014 is shaping up to be another uber-classic wine from Togni.
Antonio Galloni - vinous.com, Oct 2015

Brilliant energy from rich dense fruit and spicy floral tones on the nose. Blueberry, blackcurrant, strawberry – fresh and floral at the same time as rich, with cigar box, pepper and beautiful clove spiciness. Just a hint of something savoury underneath. The precision and purity on the palate will make you smile! Perfectly judged line of acidity to the vibrant fruit. Full bodied, powerful, and not overbearing at all, this is a joy to drink now, but will surely be at its best in another 10 years. Those that argue Cabernet is King would do well to show this to any non-believers.
Ben Grosvenor, Private Account Manager.

Lively red fruit, with a smoky note from the stems (60%). Very aromatic and pure – a classic Au Bon Climat hallmark is the intense fragrance of the Pinots. Floral as well. Masses of ripe, soft red fruit on the palate, think redcurrants, cranberries, et al. Very supple tannins and a fine boned structure. One for Christmas lunch in a couple of years.
Fergus Stewart, Private Account Manager

Tasting both the 2012 and 2013 vintages of Occidental’s Sonoma Coast Pinot was eye opening and this continues in the same vein. It is another real “wow” wine. Occidental is firmly at the top of our list for New World Pinots. Forget this as an “entry-level” wine, the Sonoma Coast Pinot Noir easily rivals top Premier Crus (and some Grand Crus) from Burgundy.

This is beautifully fragrant, with an abundance of fruit jumping out of the glass. It is rich yet restrained and superbly structured – the tannins melt seamlessly into the fruit. Give this a couple of years in the cellar and it will be a beauty. While arguably more famous for his Chardonnays, Steve Kistler appears to have the Midas touch when it comes to Pinot Noir. A must buy!

Dense, almost opaque in the glass with initial herbal/menthol top notes and clean oak/new leather aromas underneath, then in comes beautifully fresh fruit - dark cherry, blackberry and blueberry with a complement of vanilla and milk chocolate. There is plenty of firm but measured tannin here and great texture lifted by bright acidity. There is more savoury complexity of earth and forest floor on the palate and whilst the length is open and fresh the tannins gently nip in the finish so as not to reveal everything too early. A beautifully balanced Opus and elegance personified as we have come to expect from this leading estate.
Peter Newton, Private Account Manager.