Joel Lara

9.3

I had this in February, and the tannins seemed to be smoothing out, so I opened another bottle to pair with mushroom risotto. Unfortunately the tannins are still a bit too much for risotto. This needs braised meats or ribeye. Still, this is really tasty, and the tannins are drying on the palate but manageable if paired right. On the nose, inviting notes of dark cherry, tar, anise, and cloves. The flavors come through on the palate, with a beautiful cherry spice dominating. Long finish with mushroom and balsamic flavors accompanying the cherry and spice. Super tasty. — a day ago

Joel Lara

9.5

This is a full-bodied, intense Barolo with high acidity and a powerful tannic structure, yet somehow it maintains a sense of elegance and balance. After decanting for two hours to allow the wine to soften, the aromatics remained effusive, with a gorgeous spice and herb driven flavor profile. The nose has layers of pine, tar, anise, sassafras, bay leaf, all spice, and cloves, with dark cherry and balsamic in the background. On the palate, the fruit and balsamic flavors come through more clearly with dried fruits emerging as well, and there’s a strong mineral backbone with an iron element. Tannins provide a round plushness on the palate initially, but eventually give way to a chalky dryness. When paired with the appropriate food the tannins smooth out nicely with just a hint of dryness. This paired beautifully with herb-roasted rack of lamb and green peppercorn sauce with a side of wild mushrooms. Finish has moderate length, with spice notes lingering on palate. I’d guess that this can age for many more years, but it’s tasting great right now. — 15 days ago

Joel Lara

8.8

This is the 2018 vintage. Tasty but a bit rough around the edges. High acidity and med/full bodied. Has notes of mint, anise, cloves, and cherries, and as it opens up, white pepper and floral notes develop. Tannins are drying but manageable. The finish though is rough, leaving an aftertaste that echos the smell of dried-up wine still in the bottom of an old bottle thought to be emptied many moons ago. It was so yummy on the palate though. — a month ago

Joel Lara

8.8

Made with 70% Sangiovese, 15% Sagrantino, 10% Merlot and 5% Colorino. Dark fruit, dried herbs, and underlying hints of smoke and leather. Good freshness and drying tannins on the finish. Tasty but not much complexity. Good weeknight wine. — 7 days ago

Joel Lara

9.1

This is a really tasty moscato. Has vibrant, concentrated flavors of lychee, apples, and florals on the palate. Somehow the wine remains lithe, with great acidity and a balanced sweetness. Has a persistent finish, where the fruit flavors linger beautifully. Pairs well with an apple crisp and vanilla ice cream. — 15 days ago

Joel Lara

8.9

This is the 2020 Late Bottled Vintage Port. Full bodied, medium sweetness, and alcohol at 19.5%. Alcohol not overly noticeable when served chilled. Notes of cherry, bittersweet chocolate, and almond liqueur, with hints of dried fruits. Enough acidity to provide good balance. Really tasty to drink for dessert, and also makes a good reduction sauce for pan-seared duck breasts. — 20 days ago

Joel Lara

9.4

This is predominantly Sangiovese with a ‘splash’ of Canaiolo from the Chianti Classico region. Plush and full bodied with smooth mouthfeel, medium+ tannins, and medium+ acidity. Really stellar, with dark cherry, spice, violets, dried herbs, floral notes and hints of dark chocolate coming through beautifully on the palate and nose. Has VA notes, but not over-bearing. Beautiful long finish. Tasty, and paired decently with dry-aged ribeyes, but more acidity and firmer tannins that would have made for a great pairing. — 8 days ago

Joel Lara

8.9

My first Dao. Made with Touriga Nacional, Alfrocheiro, and Jean grapes. Lovely flavors of plum, raspberry, dried herbs, and hint of cloves come through on the palate. Has a nice freshness with supple mouthfeel and well-integrated tannins. Somehow the bottle only cost $15, great QPR. Really enjoyed this and would like to explore Dao wines more. Paired well with pan-seared harissa chicken with dates, orange peel, and dill. — 14 days ago

Joel Lara

9.0

Medium bodied, high acidity, dry, crisp rose sparkler made from 60% pinot noir and 40% chardonnay. Grapefruit, blood orange, cherry, subtle herbal notes. Tasty and a med/long finish with mineral and grapefruit notes lingering on palate. — 16 days ago

Joel Lara

9.2

This is so good. Great QPR. The nose has intense aromas of cloves and bay leaf with dark cherry in the background. There’s vibrant acidity on the palate with saturated flavors mirroring the nose, with some dried herbs (like oregano) emerging as well. The finish is decent but not great length. It’s hard to complain when it’s a $20 bottle. Overall, the spice/herbs/and cherry flavors go together beautifully. The tannins are there and provide good structure, providing a slight bitter dryness at the end to contrast with the other flavors. Med/full bodied. The flavor profile reminds me a bit of some Willamette Valley pinots but with the structure of a Langhe Nebbiolo. PS - the finish seems better than I initially thought. Has decent length with spice and cherry notes lingering. — 23 days ago