Bob McDonald

9.1

Quite dense crimson in colour with a tawny rim. Balsamic notes with cherry and a leathery note. Unusual production technique for Barolo using French Barriques for oak maturation. An excellent red but not particularly Barolo, although the oak has largely integrated after 15 years. One of the 1001 Wines. I have Delectable notes of this Cuvée from the 2008 vintage. — 21 days ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Armagedon 2017 – Hevron Heights Winery
Judean Hills, Israel 🇮🇱

Overview
A bold red blend of 80% Cabernet Sauvignon, 15% Merlot, and 5% Syrah, aged for 24 months in French oak. Produced by Hevron Heights Winery, this wine reflects the unique terroir of the Judean Hills — one of the oldest winemaking regions in the world, now regaining global recognition for producing structured, world-class wines.

Aromas & Flavors
Deep and concentrated, with aromas of ripe blackcurrant, plum, and dried herbs, layered with espresso, cedar, and a touch of vanilla from the extended oak aging. The palate shows dark fruits, cassis, blackberry compote, and hints of spice and earthy tobacco.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, robust, and structured with firm tannins and notable concentration. The finish is long, lingering with both fruit and savory oak-driven notes. Still youthful but beginning to soften beautifully.

Winemaking Notes
Carefully selected fruit, traditional vinification, and extended oak maturation (24 months in French barriques) yield a wine that balances richness with complexity. Built for longevity.

Food Pairing
Pairs perfectly with roasted lamb, beef short ribs, or spiced Mediterranean dishes. Also a great match with aged cheeses.

Verdict
A powerful, age-worthy red from the Judean Hills, Armagedon 2017 showcases both the depth of the blend and the rising reputation of Israel’s terroir. A bottle that commands attention and rewards patience. Cheers! — 2 months ago

Yoly Sardinas

9.3

At Tullio’s a 2016 vintage — 2 years ago

Delectable Wine

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9.3

The 2020 Châteauneuf-du-Pape Blanc Les Vieilles Roussanne was matured for 9 months in a combination of old and new oak barriques. It offers pronounced aromas of spring blossom, quince, yellow apple, candied pear, lemon peel and verbena tea. On the palate this 2020 white is medium to full-bodied and framed by soft acidity. Shimmering in a deep-straw color, it ends with a bright finish. (Nicolas Greinacher, Vinous, June 2023) — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.0

Tenuta di Trecciano – Daniello 2020
Toscana IGT – Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Daniello is crafted from a blend of Cabernet Sauvignon, Cabernet Franc & Syrah, aged in French oak barriques for 18 months. This Super Tuscan captures both power and Tuscan nuance, grounded in the estate’s historic terroir.

Aromas & Flavors
Blackberry, cassis, and dark plum lead, layered with hints of licorice, spice, and cigar box. Subtle floral lift and graphite bring elegance.

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied, with polished but firm tannins. The structure is solid, oak is integrated, and the long finish is savory and persistent.

Food Pairings
Excellent with grilled ribeye, lamb chops, or Tuscan bistecca. Also pairs with earthy mushroom dishes or aged cheeses.

Verdict
A beautifully balanced and savory Super Tuscan — powerful and sophisticated. Without knowing the precise ratios, the blend remains thrilling and fully realized. Cheers!! — a month ago

Britnee Mitchell

10

My favorite so far — 3 months ago

Sipping Fine Wine

9.0

In the heart of the Chianti lies Estate of Sette Ponti, 15 miles northwest of the city of Arezzo, past village of San Giustino Valdarno. Has 10% Merlot, aged in French Allier barriques, deep Ruby with red fruit aromas and floral notes. On the palate blackberry, plum and cherry flavors with blossom notes, spice and fine integrated tannins. Good balance, long finish ending with some oak and mineral tones. Nice! Will age a bit! Tasting well now! — 10 months ago

Jamie Lauder

9.5

Hello Delectable,
This is a Merlot-Cabernet Sauvignon blend.
2016 vintage.
Grown in Chianti Classico and aged 24 months in Allier barriques then 18 months in bottle.
Big, rich sweet dark cherry, black plums. violets, woodsy and olives.
Powerful and intense with elegance and balance..
Great structure and complexity with a velvety finish. — 2 years ago

Freddy R. Troya

9.5

Valdisanti Toscana 2020
Toscana IGT, Tenuta San Giovanni, Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹

Overview
Named in honor of Pier Luigi Tolaini’s mother, Valdisanti is Tolaini’s signature Super Tuscan from Tenuta San Giovanni—right at the southern edge of Chianti Classico. The 2020 vintage is crafted entirely from estate-grown fruit and features a 50% Cabernet Sauvignon / 50% Cabernet Franc blend. This pure Bordeaux-style combination underscores both structure and aromatic vibrancy, reflecting both modern winemaking finesse and Tuscan terroir.  

Aromas & Flavors
Dark and compelling on the nose—black cherry, ripe cassis, and tobacco merge with aromatic notes of Mediterranean herbs, graphite, and leather. Layered hints of licorice and espresso build toward a rich, spice-kissed finish.   

Mouthfeel
Full-bodied and structured with firm yet supple tannins and lively acidity. The wine is generous on the palate yet balanced, leading to a long finish that reveals depth and elegant austerity.   

Winemaking Notes
Grapes are meticulously hand-harvested and optically sorted, then fermented on skins for 25 days in French oak vats. Aging continues for 16 months in French barriques, including 6 months on lees, drawing out both richness and aging potential.  

Food Pairing
Pairs brilliantly with Tuscan specialties like bistecca alla Fiorentina, wild boar ragù, or aged Pecorino Toscano. Its structure also complements urban grills, roasted game, or hearty stews.

Verdict
Valdisanti 2020 is a refined Super Tuscan that marries Bordeaux balance with Tuscan character. With its 50/50 Cabernet blend and meticulous winemaking, this wine is both graceful and powerful—a true standout for collectors and dinner tables alike. It will cellar beautifully over the next 10–15 years. A la salute!! — 2 months ago

Vanessa

9.3

Marie-Courtin was established in 2005 by Dominique Moreau, who named her winery after her grandmother – a “woman of the earth” – surely an inspiration behind Dominique’s unwavering commitment to organic & biodynamic viticulture. She’s among the few (but growing # of) producers pursuing organic / biodynamic practices in Champagne, a notoriously challenging climate for mildew & rot.

Champagne Marie-Courtin is a Grower producer located in the village of Polisot in the Barséquannais, specializing in compelling terroir expressions, using a low intervention approach in the winery, with wild ferments and minimal (if any) dosage…

This wine fermented and aged in used (neutral) French barriques, allowing delicate oxygen influences w/out the oaky flavors. It spent 36 months aging sur lie (on the lees).

The result is a precise and chiseled wine with toasty notes next to layers of blossom, lemon peel, bright raspberry, strawberry, peach skin, kumquat, ripe pear, oyster shell, saline, blanched almond, bread dough, pastry, and baked red apple.

This wine represents a singular expression of a particular year, vineyard, and variety – it offers a sensory glimpse into a specific place and time. A magical & lovely wine. Cheers! — 9 months ago

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