Born in Croatia, made its way to southern Italy where it was named Primitivo. Fortunately, the imperial nursery of Vienna catalogued specimens of the vine, which sourced a journey to New England in 1829. In the true American spirit, Zinfandel found it’s home in California during the Gold Rush of 1849.
This Dessert Wine is bold, lots of spice with a light peppery finish, rich smooth and jammy.
— 4 years ago
Delightful. Baked bread honey and almond. Paired with caviar. — 4 years ago
Nature Gamay of very good quality, in the spirit of Marcel Lapierre (his nephew has told me). At the same time greedy, accessible, and with a very beautiful aromatic density which unfolds especially when one gives the wine time to air out. Superb for its price.
Gamay nature de très bonne facture, dans l’esprit de Marcel Lapierre (son neveux m’a t’on dit). À la fois gourmand, accessible, et avec une très belle densité aromatique qui se déploie d’autant plus qu’on laisse au vin le temps de s’aérer. Superbe pour son prix. — 5 years ago
Surprisingly light colored head that sprung up like a ghost and then shot back down to a smoky whisper. Rum notes with caramel cream in the lead; spun sugar, cinnamon and clove with yogurt pretzel and honeyed tea. Spicy entry boasts sweetness but not overwhelming. Pumpkin oil, vanilla, oaky caramel, cinnamon and bitter note that suggests charred pecan, and peppercorns. This beer is good because it doesn’t stay sweet throughout and instantly congers the autumnal spirit. It doesn’t get too artificial, borrowing most of its flavors from barrel. #pumpkin #pumpkinbeer #ale #SouthernTier #imperialpumpkin #pumking #beer #seasonalbeer #oakaged #halloween #alehallows — 8 years ago
2019 vintage shared in Nov 2025. Nice fruit balance with astringent tannins and a very long ever-so-slightly spicy linger. Blueberry and green pepper. Very drinkable and held up well to a rib eye with rich gravy; did OK against a spicy rendition of sole, but only because of the spice (and necessity). — 8 months 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
Only about 2 years on wood. This has a bit of pear in it as well which shows in a delicate perfume of yellow skined fruits. This should be very interesting to riff with as a base for white spirit cocktails. — 4 years ago


A little grassy with melon, very nice and it combines weight and tartness well. — 8 years ago
Well balanced and elegant. Very dark with good viscosity — 10 months ago
50% Tannat, 50% Merlot blend. A lesser-known cuvée by Alain Brumont. The result is in the Bordeaux spirit. Black dress, ruby reflections still suggesting aging potential. After two hours of absolutely necessary aeration, the wine delivers notes of black fruits, blackberries, blackcurrants, plum. The breeding is elegant and melted with tannins between tobacco, chocolate, caramel, eucalyptus... the evolution notes are perfectly integrated into the bouquet. A wine with a classic style, of great drinkability.
Assemblage 50% Tannat, 50% Merlot pour cette cuvée moins connue de Alain Brumont. Le résultat est dans l’esprit Bordelais. Robe noire, reflets rubis suggérant encore du potentiel de garde. Après deux heures d’aération absolument nécessaire le vin se livre sur des notes de fruits noirs, mûres, cassis, prune. L’élevage est élégant et fondus aux tanins entre tabac, chocolat, caramel, eucalyptus.. les note d’évolution sont parfaitement intégrées au bouquet. Un vin au style classique, d’une grande buvabilité. — 3 years ago
Classic London Dry Gin made in Edinburgh, Scotland. Far from ordinary this gin very balanced and pack with 14 botanicals. Hints of Pine Nuts, Lemongrass and a Lavender finish. Kick back with your favorite G&T mix, act like a Brit, enjoy and have another.....Excellent. — 5 years ago
Is a young wine with an old spirit. Great Tempranillo that needs to be decanted or breath before drinking it. Beautiful aroma and balance. — 5 years ago
2017. Enjoyable wine with a friendly spirit. In balance and showing the best of the Loire. — 6 years ago
I’m thinking about starting a Grateful Journal. I’ve heard that writing down things you’re thankful for 5-10 mins before sleep helps you actually get the most from your sleep and also helps you wake up more energized. Tonight, my journal will note how thankful I am for friends who share great wine. @Frank this young beauty is sultry. Like making love on a hot summer’s night with the windows open. Opens with a pleasant earthy musk, meaty and gamey notes, and some fresh herbs, garrigue. Luscious and thicky-thick on the palate (see: Nelly). The red and blue fruits sing in wonderful harmony with the earthy, unadulterated tension just below the surface. Spicy, mineral, savory, and clean fruit all at once. Many years ahead. Perfect way to get in the Christmas spirit! — 8 years ago


"Odedi"
Pale lemon in color with a golden hue.
Nose of citrus, apples, yeast, spices, bread and minerals.
Medium plus in body with medium plus acidity and small bubbles.
Dry on the palate with apples, citrus, spices, yeast, minerals, brioche and sea salt.
Long finish with limes and herbs.
This 7 year old Sparkling wine from Green Valley in California is still young and very fresh tasting. Fruity and easy drinking. Complex and entertaining.
Will continue to age nicely in the next 5 to 7 years.
Good by itself or with food.
A blend of 50% Pinot Noir and 50% Chardonnay. Aged for 6 years on the lees.
13.5% alcohol by volume.
91 points.
$75. — 4 days ago