A Gust Of Sun Winery
Doi Shuzo
Sword of the Sun Sake
Very pretty and on the delicate side. Packaging nails the tasting notes with cucumber, green tea, and melon rind, though I also get the banana that many tasters mention. From a small brewery, and a prefecture known for its pristine water sources. Pair with Kumamoto oysters or scallop sashimi. Environmentally sustainable, energy efficient brewery. Alcohol stands out to me at 15.5%. — 6 months ago
Domaine des Ouled Thaleb
Tandem Syrah du Maroc 2020
Always one of the sure values among Moroccan wines. Evocation of the Rhône-Nord, an ode to Syrah reminiscent of a Crozes or St Jo, under the vertical sun. Great consistency from the nose to the final. Requires at least two hours of ventilation. Floral, fruity, peppery etc. Even better the next day.
Toujours l’une des valeurs sûres parmi les vins du Maroc. Évocation du Rhône-Nord, ode à la Syrah rappelant un Crozes ou St Jo, sous le soleil vertical. Grande cohérence du nez à la finale. Nécessite au moins deux heures d’aération. Floral, fruité, poivré etc. Encore meilleur le lendemain. — 2 years ago
El Coto de Rioja
Crianza Rioja Tempranillo 2019
I tasted this vintage a year ago, and not much has changed. It is a dark wine, one which lets very little light pass through. The nose displays more fruit than oak, which is a good sign if you plan to chill it and serve it outside. Blackberry, raspberry, cassis, anise all shine brightly, with light notes of clove and cinnamon. The palate is clean and fresh, with the dark fruit taking a bow. The tannins have softened somewhat over the past year, but are still maybe a little firm for an outdoor meal under the sun, but the acidity is brisk and refreshing. — 4 months ago
Paul Bara
Spécial Club Grand Cru Brut Rosé Champagne 2016
These are the perfect Birthday bubbles!
They’re brought to us by one of our favorite “grower” producers – Paul Bara – situated in Bouzy, a grand cru village in the Montagne de Reims ⛰️ region of Champagne.
Paul Bara owns the entire production process from beginning to end, carrying forward seven generations of family history and tradition, with winemaker Chantal Bara now at the helm.
This is the 2016 Paul Bara vintage special club rosé. It was made with mostly Pinot Noir (70%) along with some Chardonnay (30%) for brightness.
It is pale salmon 👁️ with medium(+) intensity of lemon peel, mandarin pith, white peach, green apple, raspberry, strawberry, toast, pastry, and blanched almond 👃🏻 👄 . The mousse is fine-beaded and well-integrated. It is dry with a creamy mouthfeel and elegant finish.
It’s positively delicious!
Cheers to another trip around the sun ☀️ and Happy Mother’s Day to all of the amazing Mamas! — 6 months ago
Sun Goddess
Ramato Friuli Pinot Grigio 2020
Crisp. Strong notes of stone fruit and grapefruit with a mineral finish. — 2 years ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Bosconia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2011
Leaner than the El Puntido. This is more classic Tempranillo. Drier & earthier.
Beautiful wine. Ripe, juicy & slightly candied & floral fruits of; mid to dark cherries, black raspberries, black raspberries, dry blue berries. Cherry cola, dry tobacco w/ ash, dry leathery, barrel staves, muddy herb mix, dark, dry spices, steeped, sun tea, mid; clove, nutmeg, vanilla, limestone minerals, crushed limestone/dry rocks, dry flowers that are black, red w/ dry lavender, round, high acidity with a high, dry tannin finish that falls on to the wild, dry, earthy, wildest finish that is balanced for many minutes.
Paired this with/ a dry rub tri-tip and a burgundy marinaded Cardiff Crack tri-tip. Both very different and enjoyable, but liked the dry rub with the Rioja.
Photos of, my visit to the Bodega, old oak vats that are decades old, neutral wood that is still used as of 2015 when I visited & been repaired endlessly, old wood press and tasting room outside their cellar/tasting room. — 5 months ago
Delectable Wine
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The 2021 Clio is a blend of 70% Monastrell and 30% Cabernet Sauvignon, sourced from the 1936-planted Zingla Vineyard in Jumilla. Aged for 23 months in French and American oak, this garnet-hued wine offers complex aromas of herbs and plums, complemented notes of mint, balsamic and ash. Concentrated and rich on the palate, it flows with a silky texture, culminating in a velvety finish. This is a ripe, sun-kissed red with a precisely executed barrel-aging regimen. (Joaquín Hidalgo, Vinous, September 2024)
— 2 months ago