On this episode, Chris sits down with Doug Polaner of Polaner Selections in New York—one of the most influential importers and distributors of wine in the U.S. over the past 25 years. Doug has helped shape the tastes of the New York market, played a pivotal role in launching some of the world’s most iconic wineries, and even influenced what winemakers produce and how they make it.

The world of wine distribution and importing is rarely in the spotlight—except recently, with all the talk about tariffs and the effects they could have on the wine business. Yet this often-overlooked part of the industry is essential to the success of wineries, restaurants, and retailers alike. Doug offers a rare and insightful look behind the warehouse and cellar door.

He’s also been a key part of Bedrock’s journey from the early days and remains one of our most trusted partners—and a dear friend. If you find yourself in a wine store or are a buyer in New York or New Jersey, seek out wines they distribute. You will never be disappointed by a wine they represent. 

In this episode, Chris and Morgan take a sparkling tour across California as they dive into the wines featured in the upcoming Under The Wire release, going live Tuesday, May 20th.

In the first ever cross-over episode between Bedrock Wine Conversations and The Wine Makers Podcast, Chris and Morgan along with Katie Bundschu (Gundlach Bundschu/Abbot's Passage) join Sam Coturri and the Wine Makers crew to discuss the first S.O.R.B.E.T..  Standing for Sonoma Organic Regenerative Biodynamic Educational Tasting the August 17th event at Fort Mason is San Fransisco will showcase wines from the 2500+ acres of responsibly farmed vineyards within the Sonoma Valley appellation. At around 20% organic, Sonoma Valley has been a historic leader in pushing forward the conversation about progressive farming practices (California agriculture in total is 4-5%) dating back to the 60s and 70s. Morgan, Katie and Sam, all multi-generational winegrowers (Katie is 6th!) explain the motivations for the tasting- chatting about the importance of farming for the next generation to putting a spotlight on the highly historic appellation of Sonoma Valley that is often confused with the greater Sonoma County. Vineyard participants will include Bedrock Vineyard, Montecillo Vineyard and Rossi Ranch while other wineries and wines will be featured from Bucklin, Donum, Hanzell, Hamel, Kamen, Guthrie Family Wines, Stewart Cellars, Repris, Fresc., Marioni, Korbin Kameron, Laurel Glen, Kivelstadt, Once&Future, Under the Wire and more.  

In this two-part episode, Morgan and Chris talk about the upcoming special release of Bedrock’s first vintage of Detert Vineyard Cabernet Franc on Tuesday, 4/8. They discuss the legendary, historically important site, the gravitas of working with the fruit, and how the wine came together. In part two, Morgan and Chris interview vineyard owner Tom Garrett, discussing his family’s long history in Napa, his journey into wine—including founding his own wineries—the origins of the vineyard, and what makes Detert Vineyard the most historic and greatest site for Cabernet Franc in California and one of the finest in the world.

Chris and Morgan break down the Spring 2025 release! 

8:05 2024 Ode to Lulu Rosé, California

16:49  2024 Sonoma Valley Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley

19:31 2023 Judge Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Bennett Valley

26:17 2023 Evangelho Carignan, Contra Costa

33:48 2023 Evangelho Aerio e Vento e Amor, Ode to Frank, Contra Costa

 45:20  2023 Bedrock Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

 54:50 2023 Belloni Ranch Zinfandel, Sonoma Valley

1:03:14  2023 Esola Ranch Zinfandel, Amador County

1:11:31  2023 Buffalo Zinfandel, Sonoma County

1:21:27 2023 Carneros Syrah, Three Way, Napa Carneros. - 3 pack. 

1:31:40 2023 Sonoma County Cabernet Sauvignon, Sonoma County

1:43:35 2023 Monte Rosso Cabernet Sauvignon, Moon Mountain District

Chris and Morgan break down their second direct to consumer bag in box release of Ode to Lulu Rose. They discuss the environmental impacts of wine packaging, the many advantages of bag in box formats, and how in just one year the demand for quality wine in a box has exploded. Release goes live Tuesday, 1/14/2025.

Morgan and Chris break down the wines in the Winter Release from the "vaquita" 2023 vintage. To find these wines and to sign up for future releases go to www.bedrockwineco.com.

11:48 - 2023 Cuvée Karatas Semillon/Sauvignon Blanc

21:09  -  2023 Bien Nacido Roussanne 

26:10 - 2023 Wirz Vineyard Old Vine Riesling

32:29 - 2023 Evangelho Old Vine Zinfandel

39:02 - 2023 Bedrock Vineyard Old Vine Carignane 

46:26 - 2023 Sky Zinfandel

53:05 - 2023 Papera Ranch Heritage Wine 

1:00 :55 - 2023 Old Hill Ranch Heritage Wine 

1:10:06 - 2023 Oakville Farmhouse 

1:16:08 - 2023 California Syrah

1:24:00 - 2023 Ode To Lucie Bedrock Vineyard Mourvedre 

1:29:25 - 2023 Montecillo Old Vine Cabernet Sauvignon

Today Chris chats with MJ Towler of the Beats, Vines and Life Podcast, formerly the Black Wine Guy Experience. MJ talks about his journey from a Jersey kid to discovering wine to starting one of the most popular wine podcasts in the world. 

Chris was interviewed by MJ in November 2023 and in three to four weeks Morgan’s episode will be released.. MJ has interviewed many incredible people – so subscribed to his podcast as well! 

In part two of the fall release podcast Morgan, Chris, and Casey continue to discuss the once-in-a-lifetime 2023 vintage and talk through the rest of the wines:

8:22 2023 Banfield Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

17:24 2023 Dolinsek Ranch Heritage Wine, Russian River Valley

21:41 2023 Carlisle Vineyard Zinfandel, Russian River Valley

26:54 2023 Beeson Ranch Zinfandel, Dry Creek Valley

36:36 2023 Monte Rosso Zinfandel, Moon Mountain 

42:55 2023 Shake Ridge Barbera, Amador County

51:50 2022 Bien Nacido Syrah, Santa Maria Valley 

In part one of the fall release podcast Morgan, Chris and Casey discuss what made 2023 a once-in-a-lifetime vintage and break down the first half of the wines:

23:10 2023 Compagni Portis Heritage Wine, Sonoma Valley 

30:35 2023 Bedrock Vineyard Sauvignon Blanc, Sonoma Valley

37:25 2023 2023 Old Vine Zinfandel, California 

50:34 2023 Bedrock Vineyard Heritage Wine - Sonoma Valley

1:06 2023 Evangelho Heritage Wine, Contra Costa

1:16 2023 Katushas’ Vineyard Zinfandel, Mokelumne River