Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Macchia – Delicious Barbera 2023
Lodi, California – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
Barbera may be native to Italy, but in Lodi it thrives in the warm days and cool nights, producing generous, fruit-driven wines. Macchia has built a reputation for crafting some of the most expressive New World Barberas, with a track record of winning international medals (including Gold at the International Barbera Competition in Italy for earlier vintages). This 2023 vintage keeps that pedigree alive with a vibrant, approachable style.

Aromas & Flavors
Explodes with blackberry, ripe plum, and dark cherry layered with chocolate, spice, and hints of licorice. There’s an intensity of fruit without losing freshness, showing why Barbera adapts so beautifully outside its homeland.

Mouthfeel
Juicy, full of energy, with supple tannins and balancing acidity. Medium-plus body with a long, fruit-forward finish dusted with cocoa and spice.

Food Pairing
Pairs effortlessly with rich tomato pasta, grilled lamb chops, or a hearty sausage pizza. Also excellent with strong cheeses that complement its ripe fruit core.

The Verdict
Macchia delivers again with a Barbera that’s as delicious as its name. The 2023 vintage stands out as a casual yet compelling New World take on an Old World classic—backed by a winery whose style already carries international pedigree.

✨ Personal highlight: This wine style has pedigree from past events, but the 2023 is very much its own statement. It’s “delicious” in every sense and shows how consistent Macchia has been across vintages. Cheers! — a year ago

Daniel Bloom

9.3

One of finest mass produced “ craft “ beers on the east coast.
Wonderful bitterness on a hot day.
Some sugar shack residual sweetness.
Really packs a resinous punch. — 4 years ago

Jason Troendle

9.4

Sweet and not too strong — 6 years ago

with Mandy

Matt Sterr

9.2

Rice vodka. Nice flavors — 7 years ago

Rachel Kraft

9.8

This is amazing. Unlike any sort of Rose I’ve seen. Not dry. Rich I color. — 7 years ago

Kia

9.3

A nice light flavor — 8 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.2

Owner Doug Margerum and winemaker Doug "Scotty" Scott, craft world-class wine working with the top vineyards in Santa Barbara County. Blend of 49% Grenache, 31% Syrah, 10% Mourvèdre, 5% Counoise, 5% Cinsault. Deep Ruby with dark fruit and floral aromas with complex spice. On the palate flavors of plum, cherry and raspberry with lively acidity. The finish brings notes of cacao, licorice, espresso and earthy minerality on a long ending. Nice value. — 2 years ago

Nick

9.2

Absolutely caught me off guard. This was a simple gift from family. Now my wife and I are scrambling to buy another bottle. A phenomenal blend. Full bodied and spice. I would love for someone who actually knows what they’re talking about to try and this lol — 4 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Jean-Pierre, François and Pierre Perrin craft wines, inspired by the memory of their grandfather, Pierre Perrin. Mostly Grenache, this is a classic Châteauneuf du Pape. Vivid Ruby with dark fruit and spice aromas. On the palate flavors of blackberry and cherry with notes of herb pepper and leathery character. Soft tannins, good balance, long finish ending with fruit and spice, very nice! — 5 years ago

Patrick Flynn

9.1

Surprisingly good. Rich yet smooth. — 7 years ago

Dr. Owen Bargreen

9.4

The 2015 Ramey ‘Hyde VIneyard’ Chardonnay is a simply gorgeous new wine that is one of the best of its kind by superstar winemaker, David Ramey. Set on clay loam soils, the strongly marine-influenced Hyde Vineyard has gained an international reputation for producing outstanding Chardonnay grapes. This Carneros bottling shows intense nutmeg, vanilla creme brulee, macadamia nut and heavy whipping cream flavors that impress. Lithe and rich, this gorgeous bottling will cellar well for the next ten to fifteen years. Drink 2019-2033- 94 — 7 years ago

Brett Kozinn

9.4

dry, funk, farm, creamy finish — 8 years ago

Mirelsa Modestti

9.4

This 2007 Rioja Alta is a blast. I have to admit that the nose was not very enticing. Nice, but nothing to write home about. But then, at the palate, it was a feast. Fresh herbs, with a black fruit, silky aftertaste. Rioja Alta’s magic craft at its finest. Tremendous value for money. — 9 years ago

Adam Kincaid

8.9

Really nice Pinot noir from Craft. Has a bright rose petal aroma with cherry, raspberry and wood. Smells very alive for six years old and being under $30. Flavors are bright and medium intensity. Plenty of jammy red fruit but with some tangy citrus notes and lots of mild pepper. Drinks very fresh and has a medium lasting finish. Awesome bargain. — 3 years ago

R Bl

9.0

Nice cab blend - still a little tannin. Label says 30% France, 22% Chile, 30% Australia, 18% USA. No vintage on label but artwork says ‘92 which seems right. — 4 years ago

ESF

9.2

See previous note, some time has really improved this wine - represents outstanding QPR. Again, very international style Rioja - super generous & delicious — 4 years ago

Russ Flynn

9.2

Yum yum gimme some. A perfectly crisp and slightly funky cider. You bet yer sweet tuchas I’d buy it again. — 6 years ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

Freeman Vineyard & Winery is the fruition of a 20-year dream shared by Ken and Akiko Freeman to craft cool climate CA Pinot Noir and Chardonnay. Aged for 11 months in French oak (about 25% new). Aromas of berry fruits with tea and tobacco notes. On the palate blackberry and cherry with tobacco and tea spice, soft tannins, well balanced, vivid acidity on lingering finish ending with earthy tones. Will keep in cellar for some time. — 7 years ago

Berg

9.0

Great buy, funky natty Pinot — 8 years ago

Kurt Wong

9.6

Loved this Pinot Noir. — 9 years ago