Bichi, everyone's favorite natural wine from Mexico, is back! The name Bichi means "naked" in the native language of Sonora, where Noel's family is from, and the bottles, fittingly, feature naked luchadores. These are not only the first wines from Mexico many people have experienced, they are also some of the most consistently delicious natural wines around, so it's no surprise the demand is high. Though there's no need to fan the flames any further, I do think this lineups is one of the best I've tasted from Bichi. This is particularly impressive given the challenging 2019 vintage, where rain forced a later harvest. Noel had to make several passes at each vineyard to get grapes of even ripeness.

Of course, we don't have a lot to sell. The good news is there is enough of the 2018 "No Name" rose to go around, and it's very good. Believe me, I was skeptical seeing a back-vintage rose with zero sulfur — especially from Bichi, where part of the appeal is that things can get funky really fast. But no problems with the 2018 rose, it's a great way to get the Bichi style, and perfect for the warmer weather. The bad news is we have to put a one-bottle limit on "El Pancho" but those who are quick off the block will be rewarded.

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Here's the full story on Bichi for those who are not familiar: Noel Téllez started Bichi with his brother Jair in 2014, but now runs it himself. They were both working for their father at his winery but started Bichi after meeting Louis-Antoine Luyt, a French ex-pat living in Chile who helped to champion natural Chilean wines, notably from old Misión grapes (planted by 16th- century Spanish missionaries) and the style called Pipeño. 

With Luis-Antoine's guidance, Bichi has followed a similar path in finding old Misión vines and making energetic wines with nothing besides a small amount sulfur. The Bichi philosophy also runs counter to other wineries in the region, who focus on single grape varieties like Cabernet Sauvignon, and yet ignore the unique qualities of Mexico's climate and terroir. Instead, Noel works with old vines and field blends that more fully capture a single vineyard and the idiosyncrasies of Tecate, Ensenada, and other areas in the Valle de Guadelupe, with varying influences from the granite soils, the mountains, and the Pacific Ocean.

By idiosyncrasies, I don't really mean that these wines are odd or challenging, however. The Bichi wines have proved to be universally adored over the past few years. That's not so surprising, given the history of the region. The Spanish government tried to stop wine production from this area in the 17th century, not long after missionaries and conquistadores planted vines there. The wines were so immediately successful there were fears they would outpace wines from Spain itself. Today, with Noel leading the way, the fears are more that we won't be able get enough for ourselves to drink. Already others are following his lead to help fill the demand, so if you don't get your thirst quenched today, stay tuned for more wines from Mexico.

Cheers,

Jonathan Kemp

jonathan@vanderbilt.wine

Bichi "No Name Still" Rosado 2018 $26.00 Back-vintage zero/zero rosé from Mexico is not something I see everyday. But I'm glad Noel held this back for a few years, it's in a great place right now. A darker rose with funky strawberry vibes, crunchy crab apple and a spicy edge. It's got some enough fruit so it's not shrill, and there is some complexity and texture that take it to another level. Carignan, País, and a grape of unknown identity, sourced from a few different vineyards including Rancho Camacho near the US border and San Antonio de las Miñas in Valle de Guadalupe. Fermented and aged in steel, zero sulfur added. Buy Now Bichi "El Pancho" 2019 [1 btl. max] $32.00 This is mostly Cariñena, planted among some other varities in the Rancho Camacho vineyard, barely an hour from San Diego, California. 80 year-old and dry-farmed, its one of Noel's favorite sources. Tannic and rustic, the funk is generally restrained here. Raspberry, black tea, beet kvass, and Braeburn apple crunch. Earthy and snappy, this is also one of my favorite Bichi wines I've tasted. *One bottle max per customer* Buy Now Bichi "No Sapiens" 2019  $34.00 This is made exclusively from the Sapiens vineyard in San Antonio de las Miñas near the Pacific Ocean at 1,066 feet of elevation. The vines are 70 years-old, own-rooted, and dry farmed. The grape variety? Nobody seems to know. Could be Tempranillo, Dolcetto, maybe Cariñena. The mystery is part of the fun. Apple skins, cinnamon, and blackberries, with some barnyard aromas via Brettanomyces. Dark fruit and crunchy tannins are given lift by some herbaceous cut on the finish. Complex and wild, but compelling.  Buy Now