Brian Filip

8.8

An average but tasty garnacha. At $10-$12, a great QPR. Mild raspberry and candied strawberry with a touch of spiciness on the finish. Was hoping the "old vines" would give it a bit more oomf, but was lighter bodied and more delicate on the nose.
— 9 years ago

Brian Filip

8.5

Acceptable but unimpressive. Lacking complexity and tasting a little out of balance on the acidic side. No improvement on second day. Would not buy again.

— 9 years ago

Brian Filip

9.1

A rich smoky Lodi Zin. Juicy blackberry, strong smokiness, white pepper, and a touch of chalk. Full bodied but not particularly tannic. Could have used a touch more acidity, but all in all well balanced. Nice long finish. My wife's favorite red in months! — 9 years ago

Brian Filip

9.0

Well balanced, aromatic, easy drinking pinotage. A deep inky purple color. Wonderful nose with the initial pour... cured meats, bready yeast, and dark berries. I've seen many others noting banana and cinnamon scents with this wine, but I didn't pick up any of that. Maybe vintage variation? Tannins and acidity were present, but not strong. Med-Full body. All-in-all, a very good pinotage worth trying. — 9 years ago

Brian Filip

9.0

A mature dry tempranillo from Rioja Baja, at the very eastern border of the appellation. Color a bit lighter than expected, but that lightness did not extend to the body which was rich and full. At 8 years old, it is exhibiting the more mature flavors of dry leather and woody notes, in addition to the usual dark fruits. The finish was wonderfully long and makes a glass go a long way! All-in-all, a good tempranillo in a very good spot.

— 9 years ago

Brian Filip

9.3

Birthday wine with beef burgundy. Outstanding together. A deep garnet color with a bit of bricking starting to show up on the edges. Perfectly balanced in the mouth right now with fully resolved tannins and a supple feel. Nose a bit tight with dark berries and cedar. A fairly mature and complex taste, but no predominant flavors really jumping out. A bit of subtle leather. I don' personally think this one is getting any better. I'd drink up. — 9 years ago

Brian Filip

8.6

Creamy, medium-bodied, off-dry white blend. Was expecting something a bit crisper but turned out to be richer... must have had some oak aging. Fruit flavors tended to be more tropical (starfuit?) versus apple or pear. Light golden color.

— 9 years ago

Brian Filip

8.9

Smooth and well-rounded. Medium body. Touch of pepper and earthy dark red fruits. Better than expected for $12. — 9 years ago

Brian Filip

9.2

Honeysuckle, peach, and apricot. Medium to full body but plenty of acidity to maintain a crisp and fresh profile. Strong golden hue. Higher alcohol but only noticeable in the mouthfeel, not the taste. All in all, a great qpr and totally worth a rebuy. — 9 years ago

Brian Filip

9.1

This one far exceeded my (low) expectations. A very smooth and supple California GSM. Fruit on the nose was very subtle dark berry with overtones of earth/mineral and black tea. Dry, medium body with slight tannins, moderate acidity and high alcohol. Great as a stand-alone evening sipper after dinner. — 9 years ago