2003 vintage. "Spongy" cork so used the Durand. Decanted and tasted after 30 minutes, 1.5 hrs, 2.5 hrs and 4.5 hrs. Some sed but not too much. Heavy body. Massive structure and fruit to carry the 15.8% ABV along. Ridiculously concentrated. Will likely take this effort another 12-15 more years to noticeably "thin out" even slightly. It's that bigg. Don't feel that it is still climbing the charts but, with tonight's effort, proving it can stay top of the pops indefinitely. With all that said, the passage of time finds this 2003 in better balance than some 2010+ SQN red efforts. 2.15.24. — 2 years ago
Alba de Domus – Cabernet Sauvignon 2019
Upper Maipo Valley, Chile 🇨🇱
Overview
A bold and powerful Cabernet Sauvignon (95–100%, often with a tiny fraction of Cabernet Franc depending on the vintage) from the famed Domus Aurea estate in the Upper Maipo Valley. Known for its mountain terroir, this wine shows the classic strength and rustic elegance of Chile’s best Cabernets.
Aromas & Flavors
Deep, complex aromatics of blackberries, black cherries, cassis, and dried figs, laced with espresso, dark chocolate, cedar, and tobacco leaf. A subtle earthy and mineral undertone speaks to its Andean foothill origins.
Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and texturized, with high intensity and firm structure. Tannins are bold yet polished, while the 15.4% ABV provides warmth and weight without overwhelming balance. The finish is long, layered, and espresso-driven, lingering with dark fruits and spice.
Winemaking Notes
Unfiltered and aged in French oak, this Cabernet is designed for longevity. The 2019 vintage already shows power and depth, but its construction suggests it will evolve beautifully over the next 8–12 years.
Food Pairing
Ideal with robust dishes: grilled ribeye, lamb shank, venison, or earthy stews. Also pairs wonderfully with aged Manchego or Parmigiano-Reggiano.
Verdict
Hot, intense, and layered — a true statement Cabernet from the Maipo Valley. Already climbing its prime, yet with enough structure to age gracefully. For lovers of powerhouse reds with espresso and dark chocolate complexity. — a month ago
A Burgundian-styled Cab Sauv from the one of the most compelling Sub AVA of Napa mountains (Mayacamas) which has an amazing soil and solid influence from the Pacific. Crafted with an amazing balance of 68% Cab Sauv, 20% Merlot, 5% and the rest to round it off its structure and age ability. The 2011 is still climbing to its peak. Enticing notes of dry red fruits on the nose and mouth, delicate, outstandingly silky and nearly perfect balance!
The finish shows its beauty. (if you find it, it won’t disappoint you) it will give the run for the money. — 7 months ago
Another tasty JSchram. While the prices keep climbing, these are very consistent US sparklers with a big house feel (vs the grower profile sparkling wines like Westborn, Haliotide, older Ultramarine, etc).
81% Pinot noir, 19% Chardonnay; 8g/l dosage
I’ve been enjoying the JSchram wines for a long time and a character I always get from them is a distinct cheesy/leesy aromatic. Roasted honey nut cashews, spiced apple, pear, and toasty vanilla. Richly balanced on the palate with honeyed tropical fruit, sea salt, and finishes slightly yeasty with a truffle note. The dosage, while on the high side for what I enjoy, brings out nice texture and length. Well made and ready to go.
I enjoy the JSchram Noir (formerly Schramsberg Reserve) on the younger side and the JSchram Blanc with a little age. — 4 months ago
The V.2021 Titus Family Estate Reserve Cab. Sauv. is one their finest expression of their Ehlers Lane vineyard. Situated in the core of the St. Helena AVA, along the base of Howell Mountain AVA, with the Silverado Trail on its Eastern border and the Napa River to its West. This place has a very long and rich history in the fines wines that has produced Beaulieu, Charles Krug, and Cuvaison.
This terroir is fully expressed on this bottle with has a blend of 87% Cab Sauv., 9.5% Petit Verdot, 3.5% Malbec which offers an immense concentration of dark berries aromas with some hints of violet all the way. It has an extremely approachability on the palate with an incredible delicacy of ripen red fruits, yet the coffee espresso mouthfeel is beyond enticing, together with the chewing tannins blending with texture of the cacao beans and the long but not over lingering oak at the very end, it takes you to next level.
Incredibly, this wine is just climbing its prime time and will evolve even more in the next 10 years, but can it be enjoyable now like I did as well. Cheers to this caliber of wines! — 5 months ago
Dark scarlet tawny color. Exotic nose. Notes of black cherry, sweet plums, menthol, dark soil, some anise and some white pepper. Rich and silky in the mouth. Still young and climbing it’s mountain. Pretty good today and will easily improve with more age. — 4 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Gianfranco Alessandria – Barolo 2020
Piedmont – Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
Made from 100% Nebbiolo, this Barolo captures the essence of Piedmont’s most noble grape. The 2020 vintage is still youthful, showing its classic austerity and perfume while beginning the long climb toward its prime. (Educational note: Nebbiolo is famous for combining delicate floral aromatics with firm tannins and vibrant acidity, giving Barolo its legendary aging potential.)
Aromas & Flavors
Roses and violets open gracefully, followed by tart red cherry, cranberry, and dried strawberry. Nuances of anise, tar, and subtle spice emerge with air, promising further complexity as the wine matures.
Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied but firmly structured, with gripping tannins and racing acidity. The tart fruit and floral notes ride on a backbone of minerality, finishing long and tightly wound — signaling a wine built for age.
Food Pairings
Perfect with rich northern Italian cuisine: truffle risotto, braised beef (Brasato al Barolo), or wild mushroom tagliatelle. Also shines with aged Parmigiano Reggiano.
Verdict
A beautiful, youthful Barolo — tart, floral, and nervy, with cherry fruit and soaring acidity. Still climbing toward its peak, but already showing elegance and grace. A wine for patient cellaring, yet utterly captivating today. 🍷
Did You Know?
Barolo is often called “the king of wines and the wine of kings.” Its Nebbiolo grape name comes from nebbia (fog), referencing the autumn mists that blanket Piedmont’s vineyards during harvest.
Hidden Gem 💎
Gianfranco Alessandria is a boutique Barolo producer, crafting expressive, terroir-driven wines that fly under the radar compared to larger names — a true gem for collectors and explorers. — 13 days ago