The Setting

The Setting

Sonoma County Sauvignon Blanc 2022

An opulent Sauv Blanc from Sonoma, lively and uplifting acidity, tropical fruits on the note and concours with the palate. Smooth and balanced texture, refreshing and deliciously clean to end. — 9 days ago

Mas de Boislauzon

Tintot Special Cuvée Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhone Blend 2015

We pulled this from our cellar and brought it to V. Mertz for dinner. We enjoyed a couple of other wines as aperitifs and then ultimately did what anyone given the opportunity should do: pair it with lamb chops. We poured it into a decanter while we enjoyed the conversation and opening courses. Given the setting, there were no formal notes however, I can confidently report that the 2015 “Tintot” absolutely slaps. From the first sip to the last, it was all balance, power and class. It was also a spectacular showcase for Mourvèdre. It was hard to fully judge color because the lighting was so low but it appeared to be nearly opaque. A touch feral with a slightly gamey element to it but there’s a great big ol’ basket of black and blue fruits with red and purple flowers, garrigue, some black pepper and cedar chest. Structure is still quite firm but totally enjoyable. While this is an unusual assemblage for the region, it still comes across as a wine from Chateauneuf-du-Pape. This was my first “Tintot” and it has left quite the impression. Drink now with an hour decant or over the next 7-10 years. P.S. it probably goes without saying, but the pairing with lamb chops was sublime. — 2 years ago

Severn, Daniel and 8 others liked this

Tenuta Di Castellaro

Nero Ossidiana Red Blend 2011

The Tenuta di Castellaro - Nero Ossidiana originates from a very beautiful spot in the world - the island of Lipari, one of the seven Aeolian Islands, near Sicily. This is a warm wine, full of red fruits, cherry, cassis, blackberry and some spice. Made of a blend of 60% Corinto, 25% Nero D’Avola, and 15% local grapes. It is very smooth and velvety, with a long after taste, as the slowly setting sun leaving a purple orange shine over the gentle waves. — 4 years ago

Dick and Anthony liked this

The Setting

Alexander Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2021

Rob N
9.3

Really excellent cab — nicely oaked, with notes of vanilla and cola. — 22 days ago

Espiral

Vinho Verde Trajadura Loureiro

Setting: AJ and I making din for M&D ; outside in MN in July ; Taste: soo light and crisp! Tastes like juice. Great for summer - Would buy again — 2 years ago

Jász Laci

Setting Sun

Orange October wine three 🍊🍊🍊🍊 — 3 years ago

Neil liked this

Château de Roquefort

Corail Côtes de Provence Grenache Rosé Blend 2019

This wine is more about the setting it compliments than the flavors it resembles. A fire pit on a crisp autumn night with friends - hits the spot.

If flavor is more your style, orange peel and tart red berries. I paired it with s’mores and a flannel shirt.
— 4 years ago

Jillian Varner
with Jillian

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 2012

Great vintage, still a baby but wonderful to drink now. Slight menthal nose, great fruit concentration, long finish, and what a setting. Lived up to expectations….. — 6 months ago

Neville Weston
with Neville
Vino liked this

Peay Vineyards

Savoy Vineyard Pinot Noir 2018

Alder Yarrow
9.4

There’s something to be said for nursing a bottle slowly over several days. I’ve been loving how this wine from my friends at @peay_vineyards blossoms with some time and some air. What was boisterous herbal and berry fruit has mellowed with the addition some serious umami character and a hint of incense. The one constant is the satin-sheets sexy texture that marks most of Vanessa Peay’s best work as a winemaker. While I think Peay’s best wines are from their unique estate on the Sonoma Coast, I’m glad they’ve kept making this Anderson Valley wine, if only to continue setting a standard for what Savoy can do. — 3 years ago

Ira, Shay and 8 others liked this

Domaine du Paternel

Cassis Blanc de Blancs White Blend 2019

Dan R
9.0

Perfect lunch time wine. Surprisingly full, with good mouth presence, but still retaining plenty of freshness. Salty, with forward peach fruit and a fennel mid palate . Burnt orange peel finish. Refreshing and generous at the same time. Two points extra for the setting and the great food. — 3 years ago

Byron, David and 2 others liked this