Gem International

Podere Brizio

Riserva Brunello di Montalcino Sangiovese 2010

2010 now tawny in color. Very dry with secondary aromas of oak, nuts, some earth, but maintaining a good degree of dark fruits. Paired with homemade brick oven pizza. True Tuscan gem here. Strong but smooth tannins match the pepperoni and peppers. — 5 months ago

Hazlitt 1852 Vineyards

Schooner International Red Blend

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

Realm Cellars

The Bard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2017

Inky dark purple. Solid fruit. Short decant all that is needed but this wine sings after an hour plus. Ripe blackberry and plum, some black cherry. Solid acidic backbone with medium tannins. Smooth chocolate finish. This wine is a gem of a deal from Realm. — 5 years ago

Bodegas Alto Moncayo

Veraton Garnacha

Wine of the night. Impressive nose. Full, bold and round. A gem. — 6 years ago

Bob, Sharon and 6 others liked this

Macchia

Delicious Lodi Barbera 2023

Macchia – “Delicious” Barbera – 2023
Heaven’s Vines, Lodi – USA 🇺🇸

Overview
100% Barbera from Lodi. an Italian indigenous grape known for its naturally high acidity, juicy fruit, and casual drinkability. Macchia Winery, celebrated for producing over 20 distinct styles of Zinfandel, also showcases its versatility with Italian varieties. Consistently recognized with domestic and international awards, the winery brings Barbera into the spotlight with this vibrant estate bottling.

Aromas & Flavors
Ripe red cherries, plum, blackberry compote, and a touch of vanilla and sweet spice. Fresh, fruity, and forward with that classic Barbera brightness.

Mouthfeel
Medium-bodied with lively acidity and a smooth, easygoing finish. Juicy fruit drives the palate, making it approachable and highly sip-worthy.

Food Pairings
Perfect with pizza, pasta with tomato-based sauces, grilled sausages, roasted vegetables, or charcuterie. A true “any day, any time” red.

Verdict
A fun, approachable, and fruit-driven Barbera with Macchia’s signature Lodi generosity. Casual enough for weeknight sipping yet polished enough to show the quality behind this estate-grown wine.

Did You Know?
Barbera is one of Italy’s most widely planted red grapes, cherished for its fresh acidity and versatility. In California, Lodi’s warm days and cool delta breezes help the variety express generous fruit while maintaining balance.
— 6 months ago

Tom, Andrew and 1 other liked this

Bodegas Olarra

Cerro Añon Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2015

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

Tom, Casey and 7 others liked this

Château d'Yquem

Sauternes Sémillon-Sauvignon Blanc Blend 2005

To celebrate my 20,000 Vivino followers, here is a gorgeous wine.

A very pretty color of deep gold.

Wonderful nose of honey, citrus, yellow apples, melons, pears, tropical fruits, spices, light earth and white flowers.

Full bodied and very smooth with high acidity.

Sweet on the palate with honey, citrus, red apples, tropical fruits, spices, maple syrup and minerals.

Long finish with lemons and spices.

This is a delicious sweet wine from Bordeaux. Nicely balanced with a nice mouthfeel. Showing great complexity at this point. Loved the nose, and kept smelling on it for a while. Really pretty.

Very well balanced with enough sugar for the acidity. So delicious now.

This 18 year old will continue to age nicely in the next 25 years.

A great wine from a great vintage. Buttery and creamy. Spicy and entertaining. A wonderful wine.

I've had a few different vintages of this wine, and it is always amazing.

Thank you Scott for sharing this gem with me.

13.5% alcohol by volume.

98 points.

$250 (375ml).
— 3 years ago

Scott McNamara
with Scott
Tom, Sagee and 25 others liked this

Matthiasson

Linda Vista Vineyard Chardonnay 2019

I guess I gave fallen for this gem. — 5 years ago

Michele Chiarlo

Cerequio Barolo Nebbiolo 2010

Dark Ruby with aromas of black fruits and complex notes of spice, herb and earth. It was a cooler season in 2010, resulting in higher acidity that made this wine big and needed a lot more time in the bottle, than the last time I tried in order to soften the massive tannin structure. On the palate plum and blackberry flavors with some nutty notes, wet stone and earthy herbs show harmoniously on the palate. Full body, fine tannins with a deep rich long finish. A Gem! Tasting well now! — 6 years ago

Juan, Alex and 4 others liked this
Tegan Marriott

Tegan Marriott

Nice barolo, got to try the 2000 vintage many years back it ingrained in my brain 🧠