Wander Must

La Rioja Alta

Reserva Viña Ardanza Rioja Tempranillo Garnacha 2015

The 2015 Viña Ardanza is only the third vintage of this wine that I’ve tasted, yet it has quickly become perhaps my favourite Rioja - for quality, value, style, and sheer pleasure. This is a match for the brilliant 2010, with an outrageously pure and beautiful nose of balsamic paste, bitter orange, black cherry, fig and vanilla. The palate is supple but firm, quite dark in character, with a gorgeous medley of black and red fruits, perhaps slightly fuller bodied than the 2010, and carrying through to a long, bitter orange, tar and tobacco-laced finish.

This is just such superb stuff, and to say it sells for around £20-30 a bottle, it’s a cellar must.
— a year ago

Château de Beaucastel

Vieilles Vignes Châteauneuf-du-Pape Roussanne 2012

A note from last weekend at the Gold Coast. Initially too cool from the fridge so left it for 20 minutes. Mid to a deeper yellow in colour. Aromas of Apricot and Quince with a touch of honey. On the palate - quince, apricot, pear - a mouthful of deliciousness and a flavour explosion - low acid. Texturally it is unctuous with the blend being around 80% Roussane. These vines were planted nearly 100 years ago and comprise only 3 Hectares. Needless to say the quantities produced are small. Must locate more if I can find. In summary a stunning full bodied white wine. — 4 years ago

Juan, Jonathan and 26 others liked this
Travis W

Travis W Influencer Badge

Oh my! Beautiful note. Thanks.
Bob McDonald

Bob McDonald Influencer Badge

@Travis W Thanks Travis - it was just a delicious wine. 👌

Maybach Family Vineyards

Materium Cabernet Sauvignon 2015

Really great. Smooth, full, rich. This wine will go a long time, but if you must have it now do not hesitate with an early opening or a full day to enjoy in stages. — 5 years ago

Spottswoode

Family Estate Grown St. Helena Cabernet Sauvignon 2016

Such a classic Napa Valley Cab. Flys under the radar of the traditional Napa cabs you think of but always a must have when available. 2016 drinking so smooth right now. — 2 years ago

Ted, Tom and 16 others liked this

Trimbach

Cuvée Frédéric Emile Alsace Riesling

This Freddy’s ready. Must love petrol — 4 years ago

Steven, Severn and 7 others liked this
Tom Casagrande

Tom Casagrande Influencer Badge

Always one of the top Rieslings in the region. Classic.
Neil Valenzuela

Neil Valenzuela

One of my favorites

Château Miraval

Côtes de Provence Rosé Blend

2020 is the year of Brad Pitt. The year he returns to the hearts and minds of everyone (Kris). Dinner @Bayfare Social to close out the Rosewood stay. Tapas of kale and hamachi and pulpo and chorizo. Delicious. The paella was missing the signature socarrat that makes it so delicious — outside of that minor miss, a solid night that ended with proper churros. And the wine? A solid staple that delivered as you would want it to... we must return (and not forget the croquettes or short rib) — 5 years ago

Bevan Cellars

Ontogeny Oakville Red Wine

I LOVE a red blend. This did not dissapoint. Heaven Must be Missing an Angel! — 2 years ago

Tenuta San Guido

Bolgheri Sassicaia Cabernet Sauvignon Cabernet Franc 1996

Truly a memorable wine experience for this perfectly stored Sassicaia. The perfume on this wine was mesmerizing - Licorice, old library, tobacco leaves, leather and spice with a touch of cassis. I nosed it for 10 min before even tasting it (praying to the wine gods that the wine was intact) - perfection on the nose in my book. The palate lived up to the nose and perfectly reflected the notes with an added touch of dried roses and a hint of graphite. Why not a 10? The finish was a tad short, but I’m splitting hairs - I bought two more bottles of this from the amazing restaurant we ate at - La Caravella - in Amalfi. An outstanding restaurant, rich history (including a 1000 year old wine cellar with 20k bottles of wine which the staff graciously offered for me to tour) and lovely chef. A must visit for any wine/food geek if you’re on the Amalfi Coast. — 3 years ago

Peter, Shay and 7 others liked this
Ericsson

Ericsson

It’s in my bucket list now!

La Croix de Beaucaillou

Saint-Julien Red Bordeaux Blend 2005

Maybe it’s silly to post a second wine from ducru, but... this is pretty darn good. Beautiful nose, complex flavors of blackberry, anise and oak from start to finish. The real thing must be AMAZING. 2005 rocks — 5 years ago

Severn, David and 6 others liked this