Concept Album
St Innocent Winery
White Rose Vineyard Pinot Noir 2007
Paired with Midlake’s Van Occupanther. A perfect pairing. The complexity is a 91, but with the album it calcifies the memory of both. As for the actual wine, the cork was dry, but the wine is alive, — 3 years ago
Juvé y Camps
Reserva Milesime Cava Brut Chardonnay 2018
Rocking good Cava! At Enigma Concept. — 4 years ago
Album
Reserva Alentejano Red Blend 2018
Blend of Petit Verdot and Alicante Bouchet, and a little bit of Syrah and Aragonez. Plum, mint, boysenberry on the nose. Medium and structured tannins. Fruit forward and light bodied. Rather unusual for this blend of wines.  — 8 months ago
Château Roudier
Montagne-Saint-Émilion Red Bordeaux Blend 2010
This wine is a testament to the “buy the vintage” concept. Back when I couldn’t really afford cellear-able wines, I heard that 2010 was a great vintage for a Bordeaux and bought this at Trader Joe’s. I kept it cellared until now. The wind poured a deep, reddish purple in the glass. I aerated it and let it sit for nearly an hour after that. Although its nose was moderate, the flavors were fantastic. Strawberry, cranberry, other dried fruit. The tannins were intense. With a fairly decent finish. This is all I could hope for from a bottle of Bordeaux. I will probably be revisiting this winery, since it’s so easy through Trader Joe’s. The wine was a perfect accompaniment to the grass fed ribeye steaks we paired it with. Talk about a great deal for just probably $12-$13 at Trader Joe’s. #bordeauxrouge #saintemilion #redwine #traderjoes #rightbank #rightbankbordeaux — 3 years ago
Masseria Li Veli
Passamante Salice Salentino Negroamaro 2020
Try this with a vintage album, such as Chicago Transit Authority circa 1969. Carries a bouquet of angry leftist rebellion with just a hint of “the world is watching”. Damn good wine. — 3 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Piaggia Carmignano Riserva 2021
Carmignano DOCG – Tuscany – Italy 🇮🇹
Overview
A compelling Tuscan blend composed primarily of Sangiovese, Cabernet Sauvignon, and Cabernet Franc, crafted by Piaggia, one of Carmignano’s benchmark estates, recognized for low yields, concentration, and precision-driven winemaking while preserving regional identity. The 2021 vintage beautifully captures the structured, terroir-focused soul of Carmignano without leaning into excessive ripeness or modern exaggeration.
Aromas & Flavors
Black cherry, ripe plum, dried herbs, tobacco leaf, cedar, earthy undertones, and subtle graphite unfold with remarkable balance and restraint. Dark fruit remains fresh and vibrant rather than jammy, allowing savory and mineral nuances to shine through.
Mouthfeel
Medium+ bodied with elevated tension, polished yet firm tannins, and beautifully integrated acidity. Structured and intentional, carrying both power and elegance through a long, refined finish.
Food Pairings
Excellent with bistecca alla Fiorentina, grilled lamb chops, wild boar ragù, roasted meats, or aged cheeses such as Pecorino Toscano or Parmigiano Reggiano.
Verdict
A serious and historically compelling Tuscan red that feels refreshingly authentic in a world often dominated by overhyped “Super Tuscans.” Piaggia delivers structure, terroir expression, and sophistication without sacrificing regional character. This is Tuscany speaking fluently through discipline and balance rather than sheer opulence.
Did You Know?
Long before the “Super Tuscan” movement emerged, Carmignano producers were already legally blending Sangiovese with Cabernet Sauvignon as far back as the 1700s, after Cabernet vines were introduced to Tuscany under the Medici family. In many ways, Carmignano quietly pioneered the concept centuries earlier.
🍷 Personal Pick
This is exactly the kind of under-the-radar Tuscan wine that rewards drinkers looking beyond prestige labels and chasing authenticity, structure, and historical soul instead. Cheers! — 17 days ago