Tasting notes during visit to the winery where absolutely everything is done in-house by hand; preserving centuries old winemaking traditions. In the Tondonia offering one can really appreciate the time and patience dedicated to crafting this wine. The wine evolves to a rustic yet graceful profile with strong notes of dark berries with slight oak and dark chocolate. On the palate the wine is bliss, medium bodied, fully integrated, with balanced acidity and a long finish.
The juice is fermented in old large wooden “tinas,” then transferred to American oak barrels (made in house to medium toast specifications), stored underground in their +100 year old cellars for at least a year. After that it is bottled and stored in the same underground cellars and finally released about ten years later. Learning about their curated winemaking process was inspiring. — a year ago
From Cork / Wine Traditions ca. $20 on 11/11/2022. Band aid. Older thus mild tannins. Opens up nicely to greater fullness. — 4 years ago
Before phylloxera wiped out its vineyards, Málaga was considered one of Europe’s greatest wine regions and its legendary “mountain wines” were coveted throughout the world. In his memoirs, Hugh Johnson singled out an 1830s “mountain wine” bought at a Christie’s auction under the label Molino del Rey as the best wine he’d ever drank - and he’s had plenty. Taking its inspiration from Johnson’s account, Telmo Rodríguez’s Molino Real represents a groundbreaking effort to revive Málaga’s winemaking traditions and to explore the region’s potential for top quality sweet wines.
A “vino naturalmente dulce” or naturally sweet wine (not to be confused with Málaga’s also famous “vino dulce natural” a fortified style developed later in the 18th Century), Molino Real is made with Muscat of Alexandria grapes from 9 hectares of vines on steep slate slopes in Cómpeta in the Axarquía region. The grapes were sun dried - a process known as asoleo - to increase sugar concentration, fermented in 225-liter oak barrels and then aged for 20 months.
Sumptuous, exuberant nose. Flowers, orange blossom, and peach (actually peach yogurt). Balanced, not overwhelmingly sweet. Delicious! — 6 years ago
Purchased not long ago by Bill Foley of Foley Family Wines, who will continue traditions that Fred Furth began in 1972. 2015 was a perfect year for Chard. Aromas of tropical fruits, spice and citrus. On the palate melon & apricot, tad creamy with some citrus zest and toasty oak notes. Smooth and lingering, well balanced, nice acidity, ending with fruit and spicy oak. A Fav! Good value! — 8 years ago
From Cork Wine Traditions after concert on 11/16/2025. Nose and first sip return us straight to northern higher altitude Burgundy. Bright red. Good acid, low alcohol. Following sips a little weak and off-dry. Cherry, cranberry, a bit of wood (rosemary, cedar). Licorice. — 7 months ago
Our erstwhile house wine, from Cork/Wine Traditions. 9/3/2024 — 2 years ago
Wine traditions. Love this producer so much. — 4 years ago

Well... it’s not bold journey that’s for sure.
Smells stronger then it tastes.
A top 10 wine bar in Omaha and surrounding areas? Hmmmm.......
Maybe it’s because of the sammy’s....it IS a wine AND deli. — 6 years ago

Went to a tasting and they were featuring Chalk Hill, winery now owned by Bill Foley, of Foley Family Wines, who continues the traditions that Fred Furth, who founded CH in 1972. Had this ‘16 about a year ago. Rich deep straw color with aromas of stone and tropical fruits and citrus notes. On the palate ripe apple, sweet melon and lemon flavors with gentle vanilla toasty oak. Well balanced on lingering finish ending with oak and mineral notes. Aged well. Tasting Sample. — 8 years ago
occata Classico 2020
Santa Barbara County AVA, California 🇺🇸
Overview
A uniquely Italian-inspired blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc, Petit Verdot, and the very rare Piedmontese grape Freisa. Grapes are sourced from Los Alamos Vineyard (66%) and Valley View Vineyard (34%), both within Santa Barbara County. This cuvée reflects the region’s versatility and pays homage to Old World traditions with a distinctly Californian expression. Extremely approachable and crowd-pleasing, it’s a true bridge between Italian heritage and California winemaking.
Aromas & Flavors
On the nose, dark cherry, ripe plum, and dried roses are lifted by subtle baking spices and a hint of tobacco leaf. The palate continues with layers of blackberry, cassis, and a whisper of earthy leather, with Freisa adding a rustic twist of red berries and herbal undertones.
Mouthfeel
Medium-to-full bodied with velvety tannins, balanced acidity, and a polished structure. It feels plush and seamless, finishing long yet inviting, with a touch of savory spice.
Winemaking Notes
A thoughtful blend composition highlighting both classic Bordeaux varieties and the rare Italian Freisa, fermented and aged in French oak to achieve elegance while preserving fruit vibrancy.
Food Pairing
Pairs beautifully with osso buco, Tuscan-style grilled steak, roasted lamb, or rich tomato-based pasta. Also versatile enough for charcuterie and hard cheeses.
Verdict
A standout example of Santa Barbara’s Italian-driven winemaking spirit. Elegant, smooth, and versatile — this blend is both serious and fun, making it perfect for casual gatherings yet polished enough to impress the connoisseur. — 10 months ago
Liberty Ciderworks, Spokane WA. 55 Chain English Style Cider. Label claims it to be “dry, tannic and fruit-forward” with Dabinett, Chisel Jersey, and Brown’s cider-specific varietals. Golden brown, excellent clarity, light carbonation, not much head on initial pour. Some oak barreling. Lightly malic with restrained aromatics. Tannic level highly complementary with a light touch on the wood extraction, thankfully. Exceedingly well crafted, great stuff. — 3 years ago
Wine traditions. My most favorite ever. — 4 years ago

One of the preservers of Chianti traditions. For me, first rated. I had the 2013 in 2020. The winemaker is a 80 plus years princess, an autodidact. Fantastic — 6 years ago
It tasted great for the small price. I would recommend for someone wanting a sweet wine. — 8 years ago
2015 from Cordial — Wine Traditions. Best Franc ever for us. — 8 years ago
Floral with balanced minerality. Subtle acidity and zesty finish. Great Chardonnay executed in classic traditions — 9 years ago
David Shaw
A tasty revisit! — 6 months ago