Alvarinho Trajadura 2018

Marchesi Antinori

Tignanello Toscana Super Tuscan Blend 2018

2018 vintage. Last tasted 04.08.23 (9.5), 12.01.22 from a 375ml (9.5) and upon release 06.07.21 (9.5). Decanted and tasted after 45 minutes. Mysterious, dark-fruited and dusty nose. Medium body with excellent darkness of night color. Previous baby-fat overtures approximately 90% gonzo. Slimming down and getting more toned. In a state of transition with undeniable tension that can easily be misconstrued as underperforming. Last wine I tasted that was under this sort of metamorphosis at this level was the 1996 Pichon-Lalande about 1.5 years ago. Such a privilege to experience world-class wines in such a vulnerable moment. Everything is laid out bare/naked before you and you can see where the wine is headed and whether it will be following a trajectory that agrees with you. Definitely unusual to find this occurring in a wine this youthful but the 21st Century is smashing the old 20th Century clay tablets and digitizing. For most wine enthusiasts sampling this wine now, expecting some disappointment in the scoring. For myself, this is currently in the perfect symmetry of past, present and future. Will it show critically better in the future according to the accepted trials, palates, judges and juries? Probably. Will they experience the potential, doubts, insecurities and questions? Doubtful. This kid stays in this exact picture for another 2-4 years imho before striking another pose and I would love to taste this again during that time frame. An above and beyond thank you to FLB (Friday Lunch Bunch) regular Todd. 08.15.25. — 3 months ago

Dave, Ruud and 19 others liked this

Hall Wines

Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

Lori K
9.5

Fantastic, well balanced, wonderful fruit, deep berries, vanilla, great mouth feel, smooth finish, and we just pulled the cork! — 6 months ago

Dave liked this

La Rioja Alta

Viña Alberdi Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2018

Amazing dark plum colors, earth spices, cherry, red fruits- supple tannins and a smooth finish — 8 months ago

Orin Swift Cellars

8 Years in the Desert Zinfandel Blend 2018

Wow....a textbook Zinfandel — 4 months ago

Dave, Tom and 1 other liked this

Descendientes de José Palacios

Pétalos Bierzo Mencía 2018

Retain freshness of cherries, chocolate little spice open up nicely over 3 to 4 hours — 5 months ago

Domaine Tempier

Bandol Rosé Blend 2018

The same Tempier game - deep, textbook, best at cellar temp for nuanced aromas and weighted viscosity.

2018 is losing its fruit, at the end of the window where hints and dried versions of fresh fruit and spices still hang around.

Dried orange peel, grapefruit, peach, and soft red melon and furry raspberry.

— 7 months ago

Vanessa, Jay and 13 others liked this

Stag's Leap Wine Cellars

Artemis Napa Valley Cabernet Sauvignon 2018

The mocha is strong with this one. So is the mint. Let's call it a York Peppermint Patty.
Listening to Tripping Daisy. Was never a fan, but they killed it last night and I got to chat up the singer. Their music would be better with Gamay.
— 4 months ago

Tom, Daniel and 26 others liked this
Norman

Norman Premium Badge

Very cool

Produttori del Barbaresco

Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2018

Always delivers; ripe and accessible in this vintage — 5 months ago

Pooneet, Lyle and 6 others liked this

Dominio de Pingus

PSI Ribera del Duero Tempranillo 2018

Jan A
9.4

This was firing on all cylinders tonight. Caught at a point v.s. my palate preferences. This still had fruit power but also polished, pleasantly drying tannins. It had a lot of spices braced by just the right amount of sweetness. Truly a joy to drink tonight. — 7 months ago

Dick, Tom and 17 others liked this