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.

Tasted out of bottle, the 2014 Cote de Tablas (44% Grenache, 36% Syrah, 12% Counoise and the rest Mourvedre) reveals a vibrant ruby/purple color as well as notes of kirsch, blackberries, crushed flowers and sappy herbs. Medium-bodied, layered and with outstanding purity, this is a no-brainer purchase that can be drunk today with plenty of pleasure, or cellared for 7-8 years.
Jeb Dunnuck - Wine Advocate, August 2016

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

Fifteen years ago, Ridge planted this hilltop to zinfandel; as the vines matured, flavors intensi¬fied. Spring rain reduced this year’s crop, and a warm August brought early harvest. Smaller berries and lower yields meant concentration; for the first time all seven parcels were equally outstanding, and therefore included. This robust but approachable zinfandel is enjoyable now, or over the next six to seven years to 2023.

A mild winter brought February bud-break. Though there was some rainfall, the drought continued a third year, and warm summer weather prompted a fast-paced harvest. Twenty-six fermented lots were blind tasted for as¬semblage. Zinfandel yields were low, giving carignane and petite sirah greater prominence. Sensuous flavors support a rich tannin structure. This superb vintage will be enjoyable over the next 7-8 years.

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.

Very dense in its bright purple colour this is a great entry for Stag’s Leap Wine Cellars in 2014. The oak frames the dark, brooding fruit very nicely and the finish is already taking shape well. This is crying out for rare Bavette and a quick decant – exactly what I look for in my Napa Cabernets.
Gary Owen, 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!