Freddy R. Troya

9.8

Barón Balché – Balché Tres Merlot 2008
Valle de Guadalupe, Baja California 🇲🇽

Overview
A true expression of Baja California’s rising fine wine scene. Barón Balché is one of the region’s most iconic producers, and this 2008 Merlot from their Balché Tres series shows how beautifully Mexican wines can age. Crafted with meticulous care, this bottling balances Old World finesse with the sun-kissed fruit of the Valle de Guadalupe.

Aromas & Flavors
Exceptionally aromatic, ripe mulberries, dark blueberries, and plum compote. Layers of violet, dark chocolate, and a whisper of tobacco unfold with time in the glass, making this one of the most expressive wines of its kind.

Mouthfeel
Velvety, rich, and seamless. Medium-to-full body with silky tannins and a long, dark-fruited finish accented by subtle spice and mineral notes.

Food Pairings
Herb-crusted lamb chops, duck breast with berry reduction, mushroom ravioli, or aged Mexican cheeses like Cotija and Oaxaca añejo.

Verdict
One of the most aromatic Merlots you may encounter, lush, velvety, and layered with personality. A testament to the winemaking vision in Mexico’s Valle de Guadalupe.

Did You Know?
Valle de Guadalupe is often called “The Napa Valley of Mexico,” with over 90% of the country’s wine production coming from this small region. Its Mediterranean climate, moderated by Pacific breezes, allows for rich reds like Merlot to thrive while still maintaining elegance.

🍷 Personal Pick Highlight:
This wine stood out to me as one of the most aromatic and captivating Merlots I’ve tasted in recent times, memorable for its velvety texture and unique Baja soul. — 3 days ago

Ricardo Monterrubio

9.5

Dulce, tomar en frio, vino rosado — 4 years ago

Daniel Jara

9.0

Excelente! Suave al paladar , mejorando su personalidad con El Paso de los minutos — 4 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Barón de Ley – Varietales Tempranillo – 2014
Rioja DOCa – Spain 🇪🇸

Overview
A 100% Tempranillo from Rioja’s esteemed Barón de Ley Varietales Collection, crafted to highlight the noble face of the region’s flagship grape. Although structured in a crianza style with a projected drinking window of 10–12 years, opening it in 2025 revealed the wine perched right on the twilight edge of maturity. This is bottle #04400, now showing the soulful evolution that Rioja Tempranillo is famed for.

Aromas & Flavors
Initially faint cherry fruit, now firmly in the tertiary spectrum: leather satchel, dried rosemary, forest floor, and faint cigar box. Gentle hints of balsamic and dried fig linger in the background.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with softened, polymerized tannins. Acidity remains fresh enough to carry the wine, but fruit presence has largely faded, leaving savory and earthy notes to dominate.

Food Pairings
A fine match for aged Manchego cheese, braised lamb shank, mushroom-stuffed peppers, or even a rustic stew where earthy and herbal notes harmonize.

Verdict
This Tempranillo no longer plays its youthful cherry trumpet but rather resonates like the old violin sound of Rioja—mellow, textured, and contemplative. A fascinating study in maturity, best enjoyed with reflection rather than exuberance.

Did You Know?
Rioja wines are often classified not just by grape but by aging designations (Crianza, Reserva, Gran Reserva). This bottle leaned into crianza timing, showing beautifully at first but demonstrating how Tempranillo gracefully transitions from fruit-driven vibrancy to complex tertiary elegance. — 20 hours ago

Joss Salgado

9.0

Good tannins and acidity but very well balanced and structured. Red and dark fruits, baked spices, cinnamon and a whiff of leather. Delicious wine! — 3 years ago

Gerard McDade

9.0

Typical Rioja - good value at £16 — 4 years ago

Benjamin Hickey

9.3

Strong powerful acid pushing lots of flavour 25yo — a month ago

A Tux

9.4

To Patti from R&B Feb 2025
Warming, smooth and leathery 👍 — 8 months ago

Jeremiah Diaz

8.9

Deep ruby in color; Black cherries; cedar, and blackberries on the nose; medium acidity; medium minus tannins; tastes like plums, cherries, and clay pots with a long finish. There's something in this wine that tastes a little artificial. It reminds me a little of these purple drinks I had as a kid. Otherwise, this is really easy drinking. I like it and Nellie does too. — 2 years ago

with Nellie

Diego Escudero

9.0

Negroni con Fam — 4 years ago