Norma Normington

9.5

Got this bottle on my last Virgin Voyage and I had extra $ on my bar tab - a fantastic opportunity to purchase a couple exclusive (expensive) bottles like this. Sassicaia is a known leader in Super Tuscans. My first time trying Sassicaia… opened the bottle only for a couple of hours but a big beautiful bouquet of big jammy goodness that definitely isn’t shy. Wow 🤩 a delicious wine that doesn’t disappoint! — 6 months ago

Scott@Mister A’s-San Diego

9.3

2021 vintage. Definitely has that frontal palate sweetness/richness in the upper gums when tasting. Decent tannins afoot. Not the QPR leader in this price range or region but you could do a lot worse. Verry solid effort. 10.09.24. — 2 years ago

Bruce Dunbar

8.9

The ‘21 Juvenile is inky purple with bright edges and a minerally nose that runs a bit hot (15.2% abv). The fruit is subtle and a touch bitter, partially offset by a bit of oaky creaminess. This wine is usually a bang for the buck leader in the Turley line-up, so hopefully a little more time in the bottle will help. Update 9/24: still running hot but mellowing with more vivid dark fruit, firm tannins, decant or age further. 2/25: tight and tannic, no spice, some red fruit emerging. 9/25 a different story; dark, smooth, earthy and mineral driven. 2/26: spiciness layering in still with bright acidity. — 3 years ago

Jae Cho

8.9

Black plum, currant, licorice with slight VA in a lifted way. Pretty tannic still. Looking for the roses and spice. I would wait longer on this. BM is still the category leader for me. ‘17 — 4 years ago

with Diana

Vanessa

9.0

Here’s to all of the strong, brave, inspiring women from all ends and angles of the industry. 🥂🥂 You contribute to and enrich the world of wine.

We’re celebrating International Women’s Day with a beautiful bottle of rosé bubbles from @domainecarneros, where Eileen Crane, a pioneer, innovator, and intrepid leader, spent 33 years as CEO and head winemaker, having just retired last year.

Thank you, Eileen Crane, for your example of strength, ingenuity, humanity, and commitment to your craft. I’m excited for the deliciousness that lies ahead with incoming CEO Remi Cohen and her team. We’re looking forward to visiting the Domaine Carneros Château next month. 😆

Domaine Carneros by Taittinger, Cuvée de la Pompadour, Brut Rosé, Methode Traditionnelle. 12% ABV. — 5 years ago

with Deked1

Sarah O'Kelley

9.0

Like many I opened a bottle of ochota last week to toast the life of Taras Ochota who passed on Monday. I have long loved the Ochota wines and have felt lucky to have them in the Charleston market, but this “A Forest” Pinot was a gift from afar and one I  have held onto for a year knowing the right time would come to open it. Well, last week seemed perfect time to celebrate a person who was a leader in making natural wines that were vibrant, beautiful, and sound. Any article about Taras and his wife Amber brimmed with their positive energy, and I loved this quote from him that appeared in a Imbibe tribute:

‘We could make more,’ he said to a room full of journalists, sitting round his enormous kitchen table last year. ‘But then I’d have to work harder, and then I wouldn’t be drinking wine with you guys.

‘I just want to make wine and have a nice life.’

Here’s to a life well lived! ❤️
— 6 years ago

Skip Smyser

9.2

The search for the perfect summer wine has a new leader. Heidi BARRETT has put forward a strong entrant. Incredible florals and clean clear crisp flavor. Delightful — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.2

Spier – 21 Gables Pinotage / 2020
Stellenbosch – South Africa 🇿🇦

Overview
A benchmark Pinotage from one of South Africa’s oldest wine estates, Spier (est. 1692). This single-varietal Pinotage highlights both Stellenbosch terroir and the estate’s commitment to sustainability and vegan-friendly practices.

Aromas & Flavors
A concentrated nose of ripe blackberry, plum, and mulberry intertwined with smoky mocha, sweet spice, and a touch of earthiness. On the palate, dark fruit depth melds seamlessly with cocoa and subtle oak.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied yet polished, with smooth, integrated tannins and a long, velvety finish. Rich and powerful, but retaining freshness that keeps it balanced.

Food Pairings
Grilled lamb chops with rosemary, smoky barbecue ribs, roasted root vegetables, or aged Gouda. A natural partner for bold and savory dishes.

Verdict
An exceptional Pinotage that balances tradition with finesse. It showcases why Stellenbosch is considered the spiritual home of the grape, and why Spier remains a leader in South African fine wine.

Did You Know?
Pinotage is South Africa’s signature grape, created in 1925 by crossing Pinot Noir with Cinsault (then known locally as Hermitage). Spier’s “21 Gables” line honors the Cape Dutch heritage architecture of the estate.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A jewel of Stellenbosch. This vintage shows remarkable balance and depth, one of those rare Pinotages that leaves a lasting impression and deserves a spot in any serious collection. — 8 months ago

Clay Bullwinkel

9.3

Mountain minerals, herbs, red berries. The Jura in California with fine leader Arnot-Robert’s. — 3 years ago

Lauren VanCleave

9.2

Take me to their leader. — 3 years ago

Martinez

9.2

Flagship white by the amazing Pilar Higuero, one of Spain’s most exciting proponents of biodynamic farming and the unofficial “lideresa” (leader) of the Spanish vignerons association “Artisan Wine Attraction.” The wine is named after the traditional children’s game “a pita cega” (“blindman’s buff” in English, literally “the blind hen” in Galician language) and the tools used to clean up vineyards in this spectacular biodynamic farm: a flock of chicken (Her red wine labels, on the other hand, feature the sheep used to graze and fertilize soils). Blend of mostly Albariño, Treixadura and other indigenous varieties, fermented in stainless steel with indigenous yeasts and aged on its lees for 20 months. Very expressive, complex nose with aromas of apples, white fruit, fennel, floral notes and minerals. Medium to full bodied, round, sumptuous on the palate. Lively, fresh, vibrant, good acidity. Amazing wine ⚡️ — 5 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

8.9

Juan Antonio Ponce stands alone as the leader of the Manchuela DO and the master of the region’s indigenous Bobal grape. Deep Ruby with aromas of dark fruits, spice and earthy notes. On the palate flavors of blackberry and plum with some floral spice, cacao and earthy accents. Medium+ finish, fine grainy tannins, ending with fruit and mineral tang. Nice value! — 5 years ago

Jan de Weerd

9.1

Dark, ripe cherry with integrated soft earthy tannins giving it a very nice finish. Notes of leader, fig and spice. We drank out of a stainless steel thermos with our picknick, baguette, salami, fig spread and various Italian cheeses picknick after a 2.5 mile hike along the abandoned rail road with a roaring Payette river as the back ground. Fun times! — 6 years ago

with Tammy

Michael Piaker

9.0

27 July 2018. Verre de Terre, New York, NY. — 8 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.3

Château de Nages – JT Blanc 2023
Costières de Nîmes AOC, Rhône Valley, France 🇫🇷

Overview
A Rhône white blend crafted in honor of Joseph Torres, the estate’s founder, who believed great wines begin with sourcing the finest vineyards. The blend for the 2023 vintage is 60% Roussanne, 25% Clairette, 12% Viognier, and 6% Grenache Blanc — a textbook southern Rhône composition balancing aromatic richness with Mediterranean freshness. Fun note: Costières de Nîmes is the southernmost Rhône appellation, influenced by both Rhône structure and Mediterranean breezes.

Aromas & Flavors
Lively and expressive, with ripe peach, apricot, and pear leading the way, framed by citrus zest, acacia, and delicate white flowers. Subtle notes of honeycomb and almond add a creamy undertone, while Viognier contributes its exotic lift.

Mouthfeel
Medium- to full-bodied, rounded yet fresh, the 2023 shows vibrant acidity from Clairette and Grenache Blanc, balanced by the richer texture of Roussanne. The finish is long, mineral-driven, and delicately nutty.

Winemaking Notes
Partial barrel aging on Roussanne adds texture and depth, while the rest remains fresh and fruit-driven. The philosophy is finesse over power, highlighting terroir transparency and balance.

Food Pairing
Brilliant with Mediterranean-inspired dishes like grilled seabass with herbs, roasted chicken, or ratatouille. Also pairs beautifully with lobster, scallops, or alpine cheeses such as Comté and Tomme.

Verdict
The 2023 JT Blanc once again proves why Château de Nages is a leader in Costières de Nîmes. Complex yet refreshing, it delivers Rhône character with Mediterranean charm — a wine to enjoy now or hold for a few years. Cheers! — 10 months ago

Randy Fuller

9.4

This wine is medium dark in the glass. It has a nose which puts ripe fruit up front, with cherry, raspberry and red currant dominating. Some spice rack is present, but oaky notes are not overwhelming here. Earthiness comes on in a co-starring role, however. Red fruit is the leader on the palate, too. There is a bit more oak influence in the flavor profile, but not to a great degree. Earth and mineral notes support the fresh, fruity aspect of the wine. Tannins are medium firm and the wine is very tasty and drinkable. — 3 years ago

Mike Beltran

9.5

Up front this is my favorite vineyard from Ridge for Zinfandel. Wonderful rush of mixed dark berry fruits and it gets better with a good decant. Medium full body and solid tannins that will allow for good cellar life. Pagani is the leader in the Ridge line of vineyard designated Zinfandel. Stellar wine and producer. 🍷🍷🍷 — 4 years ago

Bob McDonald

9.6

Lemon yellow in colour in the glass. Aromatic Pear and nutty notes. The palate is unctuous, rich and delicious of medium plus intensity and low acid. Excellent Viognier from the acknowledged leader in the variety making the best examples in Australia I believe. Not for long cellaring and drinking really well right now. Had another bottle 37 weeks later on 30th December 2021 with consistent notes. Always a pleasure to drink one of these. Julia Harding said a perfect varietal expression. Had my final bottle on 12th June 2022 with consistent notes. Apricot notes with an oily unctuous texture - an excellent winter white. — 5 years ago

Mike Miller

9.6

The leader of our wine tasting said that Julius Caesar and Cleopatra tasted this wine or at least something close to it. It is delicious. — 5 years ago

with Anne

Anthony Lombardi

9.3

Elegant Cubillo from the 07 vintage. Plenty of spicy/oak notes on both nose and palate. More finesse than other LDH bottles I’ve had, but no complaints here. One of my favorite producers in the world. Enjoyed alongside a curiousity, The Groderdeck Whipperjenny which is a spaced out jazz funk effort led by David Matthews who was also James Brown’s arranger and band leader at the time. Great stuff all around here. — 7 years ago