Clos Saint Michel
Châteauneuf-du-Pape Red Rhône Blend 2022
Only OK. Cherry, rotting vegetation, a little bitter. Probably off. 86. — a month ago
Château La Rose Perrière
Lussac-St. Émilion Merlot Blend 2019
Clay and juicy cassis. Black olive. Tannins taste like an old varnished bureau. This is the wine that made me love wine again — especially French wine — and motivated me to start systematically tasting and making notes. Then of course my liquor store stopped carrying it. I was delighted to find a bottle while traveling. Still a wonderful value and delicious,though age would improve it. 92 or … 93! — 12 days ago
R. López de Heredia
Viña Tondonia Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2012
NOSE: muted, red fruit, oaky vanilla, graphite
TASTE: super smooth, the fruit is candied and dried (cherry and maybe some fig?), mild spices and earth and fragrant wood — still enough acidity to keep it balanced. I like more fruit and oomph, but it is good. 92. — 2 months ago
Bodegas Faustino
Faustino V Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2018
NOSE: Clearly Rioja. Waxy milk chocolate, baking spices, vanilla. Dried fig.
TASTE: thinner and brighter than expected, more and fresher fruit (pomegranate and cherries, maybe some blackberry), bitter chocolate, baking spices, leather. “Silky” — even glassy. Good. 90. — a month ago
John Bratincevic
Always a good value. Less impressed than last time but wasn’t paying close attention. Will have to try again. — 3 days ago