Varna, Black Sea
Sea Smoke
Ten Estate Vineyard Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2010
45 min decant(little cloudy sediment). An exquisite dark ruby red color. On the nose: Nice delicate nose of sour cherry, spice, orange peel, vanilla, and some cedar. Taste: Wow!! A velvety palate draws you in with black cherry, pepper, earth, and a juicy minerally cedar long finish.
A perfect wine to celebrate (pizza and pinot) the SF Giants NL West win today!....hey evil Dodgers, have fun playing St. Louis on Wednesday (NOT!) — 4 years ago
Black Sheep Finds
Holus Bolus Blanc Santa Maria Valley Roussanne 2023
What a unique and awesome wine. Definitely full bodied white. So much fruit, flowers, tropical, star fruit, sea shells, honey, maybe even passion fruit. Also some stone fruit. Wax. I feel like this would be amazing with roast chicken or pork. Super complex. Also a great winemaking team! — 4 months ago
Sea Smoke
Southing Estate Vineyard Pinot Noir 2004
Dark even at the edges. Black cherry and tobacco. Soft tannins and a good finish. — 2 years ago
Pelter Winery
Trio Cabernet Merlot Cabernet Franc 2020
Pre dinner wine at Dead Sea resort jordan. Med to full bodied. Black fruit tobacco anise. Nice tannins. — 3 years ago
Sea Smoke
Ten Biodynamic Estate Vineyard Monopole Pinot Noir
Nose has cherry, leather, herbaceous and spice notes. Medium plus acidity, smooth tannins, full bodied Pinot Noir. Tons of red fruit, with notes of black cherry, young strawberry. Secondary notes of oak and vanilla. Short finish, but works well as a package. Great with food cause it is after all, a Pinot Noir. High 14.5% ABV for a Pinot as well, but it opens up nicely and is not closed off. Very pleasant wine to drink! — 4 years ago
Santa Sarah
Black C Red Blend 2017
From the cold black sea we have a great blend of Cabernet Sauvignon & Merlot — a year ago
Sea Smoke
Southing Sta. Rita Hills Pinot Noir 2019
Layers of black cherry and forest floor. More aromatic than the last time I tried it. Medium plus body. In a good spot now — a year ago
La Sibilla
Campi Flegrei Piedirosso 2017
A dark garnet red wine. Balanced with dark ripe black plum and the a finish of sea mist and pepper. The Piedirosso grape delivers a wine full of life and down to earth. Open and drink this wine to remove all of your worries and focus on the important things in life….your family and wine. Excellent when paired with juicy rib eye, spinach and mushrooms. — 3 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Barba – i Vasari “Old Vines” Montepulciano d’Abruzzo DOC – 2022
Abruzzo, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
From one of Abruzzo’s most respected family producers, the Barba i Vasari Old Vines embodies the soulful depth of mature Montepulciano vineyards. Crafted from low-yielding old vines rooted in clay-limestone soils, this DOC wine bridges intensity and elegance, a fine showcase of what Abruzzo can achieve when tradition meets restraint.
Aromas & Flavors
Dark cherries, black plum, and crushed violets lead the way, followed by nuances of black pepper, cocoa, and a touch of sweet tobacco. Hints of dried herbs and vanilla complete the aromatic frame.
Mouthfeel
Medium to full-bodied, silky in texture yet structured with supple tannins. There’s a satisfying balance between ripe dark fruit and savory spice, culminating in a long, refined finish.
Food Pairings
Perfect with lasagna alla bolognese, grilled lamb chops, wild mushroom risotto, or aged pecorino.
Verdict
A beautiful expression of Montepulciano d’Abruzzo, intense yet approachable, generous but never overbearing. Old vines deliver concentration and charm in equal measure. Cheers!
Did You Know?
The “i Vasari” vineyards trace their origins to the 1700s and sit near Pescara, between the Adriatic Sea and the Apennines. This position brings cool coastal breezes that preserve acidity even in warmer years.
🍷 Personal Pick Highlight
A deliciously balanced Montepulciano that delivers both depth and drinkability. A genuine Italian gem I’d pour confidently for any gathering of Italian wine lovers. — an hour ago