Gran Cruz

R. López de Heredia

Viña Tondonia Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2004

If you know, you know.

Just eying the bottle evokes a sense of mysticism—these are increasingly rare sightings, relics of a winemaking philosophy nearly lost to time. Opening it after a recent visit to the winery feels familiar, almost fated.

The color holds strong despite its 20+ years, with a core of garnet that defies its age. On the nose, memory takes over: the scent of the underground cellar, the mold-covered walls, the rustic perfume of wood and brick. Then come the classics notes—dried rose petals, red berries, and a whisper of spice.

The palate surprises with more volume than the bottle’s vintage muster’s. Lively red fruit mingles with savory earth and warm spice, carried by silken tannins. The finish lingers with a trace of wet oak, grounding the experience in place and time.

This is a wine of lineage, character, and quiet perseverance—a style too uncommon today. Most importantly, it was opened, shared, and deeply enjoyed.
— 19 days ago

Paul, Dave and 9 others liked this

Campo Viejo

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2016

Sight: Completely opaque, blood red, slight tawny. On nose: fruit forward, tobacco. On mouth: very smooth, full bodied, was difficult to taste fruits but strong oak and earthy presence. Might not have been at correct temperature. — 21 days ago

Ruffino

Riserva Ducale Oro Gran Selezione Chianti Classico Sangiovese 2020

Deep Ruby color with aromas of dark fruits, spice and toasty oak. On the palate flavors of cherry, blackberry and plum with spice, herbs, cacao, tobacco and toasty tones from 18 months of oak aging. Full ripe tannins you can bite into, long finish ending with fruit and an earthy toasty spice character. Nice! Will age! — 15 days ago

Paul, Anthony and 4 others liked this

Mount Eden Vineyards

Santa Cruz Mountains Pinot Noir 2020

A little shy at first but really opens up and shows after a couple hours of air. Classic Santa Cruz Mtns Pinot. Earthy. A touch candied. Long finish. Pretty wine. 👍🏼 — 14 days ago

Tom, Pinotman and 1 other liked this

Arnot-Roberts

Trout Gulch Vineyard Chardonnay 2017

Lemon curd and a zesty acidity that lands with some sweetness and then bite.

Pairing with an avocado really mellowed this wine out and made it delicious.

Lots of tension and bright lemon citrus flavor. Touch of lime.
— 24 days ago

Bob, Tom and 6 others liked this

Bodegas Faustino

Gran Reserva Faustino I Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2010

v10. Very good! Toasty vanilla and tobacco nose. Bright, rich, dark blackberry, plum and tar fruit. Long, bold, slightly astringent tanned leather finish. Still aging!!! — 6 days ago

Baron de Ley

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo 2018

A big Rioja. Surprisingly ready to drink, tanins have softened, still powerful. Dark garnet color, aromatic nose of earth and herbs. Round Palate balanced and tasty. Recommended. Great VfM. — 4 days ago

Viña Real (CVNE)

Gran Reserva Rioja Tempranillo Blend 2018

Called Rioja. Super-dill coconut give-away. — 11 days ago

Tom, Scott@Mister and 1 other liked this

Ridge Vineyards

Monte Bello Vineyard Cabernet Sauvignon Blend 2018

Hum
9.2

Rich cassis and tobacco … vanilla frosting … everything well integrated… faint graphite ? Touch of bell pepper. — 19 days ago

Tyler and Ira liked this