Well I didn’t create Wine Disruptors to always be nice.
Number One: Barefoot Winery of the Year?
The first most entertaining event is Barefoot being named Winery of the Year by the dying Wine Enthusiast. How in any forum or publication does the wine of the NFL get named top winery of the year? How much money exchanged hands? Can’t make this up. LINK
Number Two: San Francisco Chronicle Wine Competition
Pay to play event were the worst wineries around the world are looking for some stupid gold medal, silver, etc. Can you imagine finish bronze in this event? The only judge I have ever heard is Wilford Wong which is not a complement. Not sure my sell out price to be a judge? Six figures let’s talk.
The first six wines on sweepstakes winners is beyond embarrassing.
Third AI Ben on Cellar Tracker. This guy has the most notes on Cellar Tracker and yet he was not top five most helpful reviewers in 2025. I won by over 2,000 votes. Check these silly reviews out.
Wrong vintage dude!
| Red | 2021 K Vintners Syrah The Deal Sundance Vineyard Wahluke Slope more | Options1/27/2026 – Ben Christiansen wrote: NRWhile I’m no expert on the subject, this reads clearly as smoke-affected to me. A trace of varietal Syrah character does peek through—dark fruit and savory undertones—but it’s largely overwhelmed by persistent smoke and ash notes. For my palate, the smoky character dominates to the point of distraction, making it hard to get past despite glimpses of what might have been underneath. |
| 2021 La Crema Chardonnay Russian River Valley (USA, California, Sonoma County, Russian River Valley) | White | 1/29/2026 | Ben Christiansen | 93 | |
| This is straight-up Chardonnay comfort: oak, cream, dessert, full stop—and honestly, that’s the charm. Vanilla custard, toasted oak, baked apple, and a spoon-licking richness that leans unapologetically into its indulgent side. The palate is plush and creamy, more crème brûlée than citrus, with structure taking a back seat to pleasure. Not trying to be nervy or mineral or intellectual—just a well-made, oak-driven, dessert-leaning Chardonnay that delivers exactly what it promises. And yes, I like it. If you like the style, outstanding in quality and value if at $25. (21 views) Report issue, Add favorite | |||||
| 2024 Franck Balthazar Côtes du Rhône (France, Rhône, Southern Rhône, Côtes du Rhône) | Red | 1/28/2026 | Ben Christiansen | 93 | |
| A more grounded, savory-leaning expression, with the fruit sitting lower in the register and the overall profile driven by snap and energy rather than sweetness. The nose is restrained and earthy at first, offering red currant skin, sour cherry, cracked pepper, and dried garrigue, with a subtle iron-and-olive undertone. On the palate, the acidity is noticeably perkier, giving the wine a juicy, fleshy, mouthwatering feel as tart red fruit pulses through the mid-palate rather than leading from the front. There’s a satisfying chew here—supple but not soft—framed by gentle savory notes of licorice root, smoked herbs, and warm stone. Superior in quality an value if at $21. | |||||
keeping it real
Mo many things in wine are haywire.