Frederic Esmonin
Clos Prieur Gevrey-Chambertin Pinot Noir 2020
Rosy and translucent.
Sour and sweet on the nose, with some brioche initially.
Thin but encompassing on the palate, with rich flavors of blackberry, plums, and other dark fruits. — 2 months ago
Maison Roche de Bellene
Vieilles Vignes Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2019
On the nose, baking spices are prominent, with a sour note.
The palate becomes predominantly sour with a long and ticklish finish. Notes of burnt berry — 3 months ago
Petraio
Nero d'Avola 2020
Dark black violet color.
Smells chocolatey and woodsy.
Much more black-raspberry and fruitiness on the palate. There's maybe some grassiness or okay herbalness here. Haven't had a Nero d'Avola in a while, but this still feels richly familiar to anyone who's had it.
Easy to drink. — 3 months ago
Vengeance
California Proprietary Red Blend 2018
As its name suggests, its ferocity plays on the nose and the palate. Rich, brioche tannins touch the nose, while the same savory notes hit the tongue. The Napa blend is drinkable and moderately remarkable. — a month ago
Trader Joe's
Reserve Barossa petit Sirah Shiraz 2020
Rich ruby color, bright red through light.
On the nose, it is richly brioche and umami.
Like fresh-cooked meat, there is an extreme savoriness to both the scent and taste.
On the palate, this Shiraz is heavy and thick, with roasted meat flavors and deep earthy notes.
Aeration flattens this intensity in scent but accentuates the meaty flavor. This is fun and fleshy, with a toasty chew.
The usual Shiraz flavor can be corked and bitter, but this is luscious and buttery. — a month ago
Ile de Conas
Le Rosé 2021
Not extremely present or forthright on the nose.
There's a minerality and a neutral cleanliness but zero discernable tannins. On the palate, again clean, and similar to rose's natural lackluster as a flavor profile. Fleeting white grape and maybe pear, with a medium finish. — a month ago
Alta Vita
Cannonau di Sardegna 2017
My first Cannonau!
Ruby in color, high opacity even in light.
Fresh and sour limestone minerality on the nose, and an unfamiliar note of rich soil.
Extremely long lingering finish, which twinkles away pleasantly. — 2 months ago
Mendoza Station
Mendoza Malbec 2020
Dark grape color, opaque with ruby edges in light.
Smoky tannins on the nose, vibrant spice and a sour note as well.
On the palate it has got a nice hug for the tongue, with lots of fruits that transform into a very familiar but satisfying Malbec finish. — 3 months ago
Nick Brandon
Rich smoke and toasty tannins on the nose.
Meaty taste with berry flavor. This is a thickly characteristic Tannat grape, and it's my first. Shiraz energy with a cab invitation.
Energetic and lively, something to talk about. — a month ago