Epic Match

It’s been a minute since we’ve focused on California, but given the caliber of bottles we’ve added lately, it’s high time. We’ve got a slew of the OG cults alongside the tried-and-true classics, including a terrific selection of aged Pride – one of the first mailing lists I put myself on when I started in the business!

In one corner, we’ve got the classics: Philip Togni, 100-point Pride and 100-point Dominus. In the other, the original cult heavyweights: Bryant, Colgin, Harlan and Schrader. And stepping into the ring is the younger – and perhaps feistier – set: Next of Kyn, Kinsman Eades, Hundred Acre and Booker, all making a strong case that they’re ready to take the crown.

Among the contenders: the 100-point 2016 Dominus, 100 WA 2016 Bryant Family Vineyard 25th Anniversary, back-to-back 100 WA 2018 and 2019 Colgin Tychson Hill, and 100 DC | 100 JS 2022 Hundred Acre The Ark Vineyard. Don’t miss the run of mature Pride Reserve Claret and Cabernet from 2001–2013 that I mentioned above, plus the rare 2021 Marcassin Chardonnay.

There’s plenty to choose from here, from mature bottles ready to drink now to recent releases worth putting away. The gloves are off and many of these will go quickly – I’ll let you get to it!