Tempranillo Blend
La Rioja Alta
Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2013
Black current, dried black cherry and slight tobacco. Very light tannins.
Excellent with beef and stews. — 16 days ago
Château Margaux
Premier Grand Cru Classé Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 1982
The nose is profoundly layered and regal: cedar chest, humid tobacco, graphite, and dried rose petals, unfolding slowly into red currant, black tea, sandalwood, and the faintest whisper of truffle and old parchment. It’s not about intensity; it’s about dimension…
On the palate, it is seamless and sovereign. Red and black fruits are fully resolved into essence rather than flavor; currant, cherry skin, a touch of plum; all wrapped in polished leather and earth. The tannins have dissolved into silk, the acidity remains statuesque, and the finish lingers with a calm, noble persistence that feels endless rather than long.
Chateau Margaux at its absolute summit: complete, composed, and eternal; power expressed through grace, and grace sharpened by the patience of time. Do drink now. — 9 days ago
Château Cos d'Estournel
Saint-Estèphe Red Bordeaux Blend 2005
Presented to me, double-blind. The wine pours a deep garnet color with an opaque core; medium viscosity with moderate staining of the tears, and some signs of light sediment. On the nose, the wine is vinous with a mix of ripe and desiccated, mostly dark fruits: cassis, black cherry, plum, mixed brambles, old leather, pipe tobacco, pencil shavings, and fine baking spices. On the palate, the wine is dry with medium+ tannin (that is mostly integrated) and medium+ acid. Confirming the notes from the nose. The finish is long.
Initial conclusions: this could be a Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend, Tempranillo (or based blend) or Grenache-based blend from France, Spain or the United States. I feel like this leans more towards its fruit than its structure, even though it is a fairly well balanced wine in both regards. As a result, I am calling this a Cabernet-based Bordeaux blend from the United States, California, Napa Valley, Howell Mountain from a producer like Dunn, 2006. Shiiiiiit. To be honest, I’m not terribly surprised since this is Cos and from a warm vintage no less. Drinking well now and should through 2050+. — 17 hours ago
Château Pontet-Canet
Pauillac Red Bordeaux Blend 2020
I know, I’m here too early, but I bought 3 cases for a steal. I’m excited to see the evolution over next 25 years and I can have more than a bottle a year so no scolding required! 😉 looking forward to the education. Makes you think though. I’m about done buying Bordeaux futures. Too long to wait, store, and 20-25 years is starting to look blurry in the telescope. Now it’s on to auctions and buying wines that are ready. — 6 days ago
Marqués de Riscal
Reserva Herederos del Marques de Riscal Rioja Tempranillo 2019
No decepciona. Rioja de ley — 8 days ago
Krug
Grande Cuvée Brut Champagne Blend
Close 2025 with a 375ml Grande Cuvée and my mother’s old fashion coffee cake. — 4 days ago
Château Palmer
Margaux Red Bordeaux Blend 2009
It was more subdued than I expected. I tend to like the Merlot heavy Bordeaux but this one was still a bit muted. Perhaps it needs more time even though it’s well in its recommended range. Dark and heavy. Solid but left me underwhelmed. Decanted. Better after an hour. — 7 days ago
Juan Pablo Perez
Cereza, ciruela, mora, flores secas, tierra, madera — 4 days ago