The Leader
Arnot-Roberts
North Coast Trousseau
Mountain minerals, herbs, red berries. The Jura in California with fine leader Arnot-Robert’s. — 2 years ago
Château de Nages
JT Costières de Nîmes Roussanne Viognier 2023
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! — 2 months ago
Golan Heights Winery
Yarden Mount Hermon Red Blend 2022
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. — 2 years ago
Alfredo Maestro (Bodegas y Viñedos Maestro Tejero)
El Marciano Grenache
Take me to their leader. — 3 years ago
Ridge Vineyards
Pagani Ranch Sonoma Valley Zinfandel Blend 2018
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
Freddy R. Troya
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. — 2 days ago