The Calling Wines
The Calling Wines
Paso Robles Cabernet Sauvignon
Yummy from Rehobeth — 2 years ago
The Calling Wines
Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2030
Enjoyed at Ocean Prime. Dark and jammy . Vanilla. High acidity. Low tannins. Long, dry, oak finish. — a month ago
The Calling Wines
Monterey County Pinot Noir 2023
had this wine with gorgone family at edson hill in stowe for M & D’s anniversary celebration — 3 months ago
Hartwell Vineyards
Estate Grown Cabernet Sauvignon 1999
1999 vintage. This review a bit of a mixed bag. “Inherited” this bottle and had been looking sideways at it for the better part of three years. Fill decent but both the front and back labels pretty trashed. The foil up top a tad crimped in places. Ugly duckling syndrome. See a ton of this at work and occasionally able to resuscitate what appears to be an abused bottle. Cut off the foil and there was some seepage at the top trapped between the cork and the foil. Not good. Extracted the cork in three passes (3!!!) with the Durand. Cork was half saturated and dunzo. Did not decant. Color was on point at least. 100% Cabernet Sauvignon. 14.1% ABV. Less than expected sed. Poured out a fifth of a glass and let sit for 2-3 mins. Nose was big white pepper, roasted cashews and white sage…three notes that I don’t come across often over the years with Napa cabbage and flavors were hidden beneath for a spell. Gave it 15 minutes. That initial nose dissipated and a bit of magic unfolded. Light-medium body, cocoa powder, graphite, feminine, sumptuous milk chocolate, a little sweaty, dried legumes, spearmint, supremely resolved tannins. Echoes of Haut-Brion/La Mission Haut-Brion. This old-school, Stags Leap District Napa cab came through in the clutch. Seemed to gather strength the longer it was open. Given that this particular bottle was not exactly mint, more than a bit curious as to how a decently stored example of this wine would perform. Van the Man was right. Wild night is calling. Come on out and dance. 05.16.25. @Shay A — 8 months ago
Château Landat
Vielles Vignes Haut-Médoc Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2014
Wow this Bordeaux was drinking on point. Surprised by the fruit forward notes and had a long peppery finish. Was trying to hold out for it to be a 10-yr bottle but a stew was calling its name. — 3 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Castillo Clavijo – Rioja Blanco – 2024
Rioja DOCa | Spain 🇪🇸
Overview:
A very casual, approachable white from Rioja DOCa, a region better known for reds, this bottle delivers exactly what it promises: simplicity, freshness, and value. Viura-driven, made in a clean, straightforward style that favors easy drinking over complexity.
Aromas & Flavors:
Fresh and subtle with notes of green apple, lemon zest, and soft white florals. There’s a gentle herbal edge typical of Viura, but nothing overt or demanding, clean and unfussy.
Mouthfeel:
Light- to medium-bodied with refreshing acidity. Smooth, easygoing, and crisp, finishing clean without weight or oak influence.
Food Pairings:
Grilled fish, light salads, seafood tapas, simple chicken dishes, or anything olive-oil driven. A reliable companion at the table without stealing the spotlight.
Verdict:
A “does-the-job” Rioja white that makes sense on the value side. Not meant to rival more serious white Rioja expressions, but a pleasant, practical option from a red-dominant region, especially when you want something uncomplicated and food-friendly.
Did You Know?
Viura (also known as Macabeo) is Rioja’s primary white grape, capable of both simple, fresh wines like this and age-worthy, complex whites when blended or oak-aged.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
This is the kind of easy, reliable white you reach for when you want something light, affordable, and regionally honest, proof that Rioja can still deliver on the white side, even if reds remain its calling card. — 9 days ago