Royal Oporto (Real Companhia Velha)
Quinta das Carvalhas Douro Touriga Nacional 2014
My first wine from Portugal. (That wasn’t a port). I agree with others. Spicy, leathery. But I like a lot. I naively keep trying to compare it to Rioja. Very different. But this bottle is very much worth the money. I think I should move to the Iberian Peninsula. — 5 years ago
Kalyra
Reserve Select Barrel Santa Ynez Valley Grenach Blanc 2016
A very welcome departure from the usual Chardonnay and Sauv Blanc. Easy to drink and nice fruit flavors. It passed the "acid" test: My wife liked it too! — 7 years ago
Castillo Clavijo
Gran Reserva RIoja Tempranillo Blend 2011
I simply love oak aged red wines from Spain. Just as it appears patience In aging helps, so does patience in drinking. Lol. Or is it me? Why does the LAST glass of a bottle of Rioja always seem the best? — 5 years ago
Domaine Tempier
Cabassaou Bandol Mourvèdre Blend 2018
Perfect wine for perfect SoCal summer day. This wine gives me exactly what I want in a Rose: Subtle, and laced with complexity. Thanks to the restaurant manager for knowing his stuff. — 5 years ago
Bodega y Viñedos Fernández Rivera
Dehesa la Granja Vino de la Tierra de Castilla y León Tempranillo 2004
I’m a sucker for Spanish Tempranillo. This wine seems less fruity and simultaneously more tannic than what I normally have. But still delicious. This is my first non Rioja Tempranillo. This is from the Castilla and Leon region. Typical? I’m eager to find out. — 5 years ago
North Gate Vineyard
Rkatsiteli 2015
Fascinating white. This grape is brand new ground for me. (No Rkatsiteli at my local wine store!). Fruity yet not tart. Qualities I like in my beloved Riojas. — 5 years ago
San Gregorio
Las 75 Vendimias de Emilio González Parcela Lagüen Garnacha Tempranillo 2015
No surprise that I purchase what I like. So forgive my bias towards Spanish wine. I loved the blend. I love Tempranillo and my wife loves Grenache. Marriage made in heaven. Just the right amounts of everything for me. Oak, fruit, tannins. And a great value to boot. If you like Spanish wines, this 2016 is excellent. — 5 years ago
Cantina Ar.Pe.Pe.
Rosso di Valtellina Nebbiolo 2014
As luck would have it, the sommelier grew up in the same region as this wine was produced. A nice and mellow wine that paired perfectly with my pie. — 6 years ago
Bodegas Ramón Bilbao
Limited Edition Rioja Tempranillo 2013
Ramon Bilbao continues to be a reliable producer of Tempranillo. Good value! — 7 years ago
David Sheehan
2015 vintage this time. Blend upped the Syrah to 85% and Zin lowered to 15%. Still a true “Gem”. I agree with the others. Oak. Fork and knife...etc. Big but drinkable. Stacked Stone remains a favorite year after year. Please find it and buy it! — 5 years ago