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Birichino

Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5
3.6/5See the 44 reviews
Birichino
Alex Krause and John Locke founded Birichino in 2008 in Santa Cruz, California. After multiple experiences in France, Italy, California and elsewhere, this duo focuses on achieving the perfect balance between fragrance, elegance and mischief.

Birichino sources its grapes from carefully-tended winegrowers historically located in maritime-influenced areas with moderate climates. The aim of this approach is to maintain the quality and vigor of the raw material. As such, preference is given to low-intervention methods, often favoring the use of indigenous yeasts, stainless steel tanks or neutral barrels, reducing the number of rackings and finings, and avoiding filtration whenever possible.

Birichino is committed to producing wines for pleasure.

More information on the Birichino

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Birichino - Saint Georges Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021

93/100 Wine Enthusiast

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90/100 Vinous

(2018 vintage notes)
California
pinot noir
delicate
long finish
juicy

"Grandiose with a superb gourmet taste and a very long finish!"

A 100% Pinot Noir, grown in a warm, sunny region. The result is magnificent: a superb light red color, harmonious structure and gourmet aromas of red fruit, cherry and kirsch. A real treat!

Birichino - Bechthold Vineyard Cinsault Old Vines 2022

89/100 Wine Enthusiast

California
cinsault
softness
refined
bio&bon
emblematic

"A California must-have from one of the oldest Cinsault vineyards in the world!"

"Balanced and versatile, this varietal cinsault offers aromas and flavors of red cherry, raspberry, wild strawberry, bramble, toasted wood, black pepper and fresh roses." (Wine Enthusiast 2023)

Birichino - Saint Georges Vineyard Zinfandel Old Vines 2021

91/100 Vinous

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91/100 Wine Enthusiast

(2018 vintage notes)
California
zinfandel
spicy
voltage
beautiful finish

"The perfect opportunity to (re)discover Zinfandel, THE Californian grape variety!"

Vines planted in 1922, an expressive terroir, an emblematic California grape variety... All the ingredients are here for this superb wine, with its fresh aromas of plum, blackberry and cranberry. A California wine in all its splendor! - Screw cap

Birichino - Californie Scylla 2022

93/100 James Suckling

(Vintage 2021 notes)
California
fruity
beautiful finish
surprising

"A surprising blend of Carignan and Mourvèdre, fruity aromas and a sumptuous finish!"

An atypical wine from California! Fruity, spicy aromas, silky tannins and a je-ne-sais-quoi that makes it sumptuous. An indomitable wine, as the name suggests!

Birichino - Jurassic Park Vineyard Old Vines Chenin Blanc 2022

93/100 Wine Enthusiast

California
chenin
freshness
gourmet
good acidity

"A delicious, fresh, gourmet 100% Chenin Blanc!"

"Subtle aromas of honey, crisp apple and pleasant honeysuckle mingle with notes of wet slate and wool on the nose of this old-vine blend. The palate is wrapped in a solid framework, offering delicate flavors of apple blossom and pear flesh, supported by vibrant, thirst-quenching acidity." (Wine Enthusiast 2024) - Screw cap

Birichino - Yount Mill Vineyard Sémillon Old Vines 2021

16/20 Jancis Robinson

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91/100 The Wine Front

California
sémillon
good acidity
exotic fruits
old vines

"California sunshine in this round wine from old vines!"

"Round, relatively low acidity. A little chewy at the end. The Californian sun is back, that's for sure! Amusing. 2022-2024" (Jancis Robinson 2022)

Birichino - Santa Cruz Mountains Peter Martin Ray Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

94/100 Vinous

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93/100 Wine Enthusiast

(Notes vintage 2017)
California
cabernet sauvignon
complex
intensity
potential

Peter Martin Ray Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon has a beautiful, intense color. The nose is juicy with notes of black fruit and spices, accompanied by hints of precious woods, balsamic, cedar and pencil lead. One senses that the wine has reached maturity, with fruit bursting with intensity. The woodiness underlines the contours. The palate is full and fleshy. The wine is concentrated but not heavy. It's still very young and the ageing is still making itself felt. A fine tannic structure prolongs and finishes the palate. Great potential!

Birichino - Enz Vineyard Mourvèdre 2019

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

94/100 Wine Enthusiast

California
mourvèdre
gourmet

"This bottling from old vines is full of freshness and is always intriguing, calling to be tasted several times over several days. It starts with aromas of freshly picked plum, just-ripe cherries, fresh herbs, rose petals and a hint of stone. The palate follows suit with taut, rough tannins, a fresh, light body and refreshing flavors of plum and crushed stone." (Wine Enthusiast 2020) Birichino never ceases to amaze!

Birichino Central - Besson Vineyard Grenache Old Vines 2019

95/100 Wine Enthusiast

California
grenache
surprising

"The experience of this winery, conducted on a 110-year-old vineyard grown without irrigation, continues to improve with each vintage. On the nose, aromas of fresh redcurrant and raspberry are enhanced by aromas of maquis, gravel and freshly tilled earth. The palate is marked by herbaceous notes, while a robust structure frames flavors of red currant, crinkled carnation and rose tea." (Wine Enthusiast 2021) Probably one of the purest expressions of the grape variety!

Birichino - Enz Vineyard 2017

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

California
mourvèdre
gourmet

Enz Vineyard is Birichino's historic cuvée. This 100% Mourvèdre has a lovely, bright, garnet-red color. The nose is intense and complex, with notes of black fruits and spices. The palate is fine and taut, with a freshness and greediness that call for a second glass. Birichino never ceases to surprise!

Birichino - Bechthold Vineyard 2018

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (6 reviews)

92/100 Wine Enthusiast

(2016 vintage notes)
California
cinsault
emblematic

"The Birichino emblem

This cuvée is a piece of history: it is said to be the oldest parcel of Cinsault in the world. In this hot region, Birichino's aim is to produce a medium-bodied cuvée, full-bodied and fresh, but with a fine structure that gives it plenty of body. Amazing!

Birichino - Jurassic Park Vineyard Chenin Blanc 2016

Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5Rated 4/5

4/5 (1 review)

90/100 Wine Enthusiast

(2015 vintage notes)

Old Chenin Blanc vines reveal notes of almond and wax, with a hint of honey. The full-bodied palate asserts its power and minerality, enhanced by fine acidity and beautiful bitters on the finish. What freshness and depth!

Birichino - Malvasia Bianca 2014

Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5Wine rated 3.6/5

3.6/5 (5 reviews)

91/100 Wine Enthusiast

(2013 vintage notes)

Whereas the 2013 showed very exotic perfumes, the 2014 Malvasia is more finely crafted: on the nose, there are subtle floral aromas of jasmine and honeysuckle, but also lychee and nectarine. The grape's natural acidity produces an intense wine, which, coupled with a hint of Muscat, achieves perfect balance on the palate! A wonderful discovery!

Birichino - Lilo Vineyard Pinot Noir 2013

Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5Rated 3/5

3/5 (2 reviews)

The schist, sandstone and slate soils on which this Pinot Noir is planted produce a fresh, intensely aromatic wine. Typical raspberry and cherry notes mingle in the glass. The finish is energetic, on red berries and spices. The viticulture and vinification here are perfectly mastered. A very good Pinot!