Famatina Valley, La Rioja

Madrigal Vineyards

Calistoga Tempranillo 2017

Smooth Tempranillo in a lighter style than Rioja. Enjoyable light fruity wine that goes well with pizza, and reasonably priced under $35. — 17 days ago

Rob and Tom liked this

School House Vineyard

Mezcolanza Zinfandel Blend 2013

Brought to Tasting Group from my cellar and presented to the group double-blind. The wine presents a deep ruby color with moderate staining of the tears. Medium viscosity. On the nose, notes of strawberry, cherry candy, watermelon juice, menthol, green herbs oregano thyme, and cedar. On the palate, the wine is dry and structure is medium+ across the board. The finish is long, tart, mineral and woody but not in a new oak sort of way. Everyone was in the Old World with guesses ranging from Burgundy to Rioja. To be fair, not many in Napa makes Zinfandel like this anymore…if any at all. Lovely stuff. — 2 years ago

Josh, Ceccherini and 6 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Love the wine!

Clarke-Claudon Vineyards

Wild Iris Napa Valley Sauvignon Blanc 2006

Tastes like a Fino sherry with all the phenolic and nutty notes. Glorious (and totally my style). I would have guessed maybe an old chenin. At least this year extremely recommended. I have had a Lopez heredia white rioja that elements reminded me of this. — 4 years ago

Daniel KozaczukJen DoddJohn Brenton Dodd
with Daniel, Jen and 1 other

Valle de la Puerta

Gran Reserva La Puerta Famatina Valley Malbec Blend

Eddy and Max really liked this. From Bonner wines — 5 months ago

Alexana

Revana Vineyard Estate Riesling 2012

Kumquat, bruised apples, banana runts, orange zest. Reminiscent of a old school white rioja with oxidative almondy notes. — 2 years ago

Hayley McCord
with Hayley
Laura and Josh liked this

Ramirez de Velazco

Reserva Malbec

I liked a lot for a malbec — 4 years ago

Château Kefraya

Bekaa Valley Red Blend 2015

This is extremely interesting. Like an Italian red with barnyard, but less tannins so feel full in the mouth. Really enjoyable like a nice Rioja or fine Italian wine. Can’t believe this is a cab/Syrah blend. — 3 years ago

Corison

St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2014

Classic Corison. Needs 6+ hours of air to show anything so do not bring this to a restaurant. After five or so hours, it has moderate fruit, with a strong beam of acidity that gives it a long finish. Probably needs 5+ more years to show more complexity but really nice now. Could actually mistake this for great Rioja if blind. — 4 years ago

Dario liked this