Insight Wines
Ermes Pavese
Blanc de Morgex et de la Salle Prié Blanc 2016
Prie is the varietal. A first for me from my first visit to Flatiron in SF- a place I wish I had discovered much sooner. Bought this out of sheer curiosity with no intel/insight from staff. Delicately stewed yellow apples, delicately browned citrus which doesn't sound sexy but this wine is DELICIOUS! Some salty/mineral and "of the sea" happening too. Am I tasting the juice of vidalia onion???? Juicy and delicious, more savory than fruity= Such a cool wine!! Many talking about crazy acidity but I'm finding it to be very balanced. Poss due to drinking 2016 in 7/20. Maybe the younger ones are searing??? Glad I waited a few. Anyone else drinking this while rocking Coheed & Cambria turned up to 11? No its not Hatebreed or Slayer but also not Coldplay or Chopin. Struggled to save some for day 2. Probably not a wine I'll find in MCO =( Taking last sip thinking slightly of old Burgundy. — 6 years ago
Arterberry Maresh
Maresh Vineyard Pinot Noir 2023
How do I say it with grace, poise, and within the bounds of decorum… The Dundee Hills of Oregon are calling to me. In speaking with my work-make Tommy, who has lived in Oregon and has proven to be a more than reliable source of insight concerning every & anything from Oregon: the Dundee Hills have me. Hell I think he’s warned me more than once about their playful nature yet their powerful foundations… add the 2023 Artberry Maresh ‘Dundee Hills” Pinot Noir out of the Willametter Valley to it all. From the start, the ruby color is mesmerising. The nose seems to wake up with every instance of dropping my own within it. The palate is mildly chewy and lush. As it warms in the glass and starts to tell of its true nature, deep notes of hibiscus and bramble-berry that only expand ring true. — 3 months ago
Burntshirt Vineyards
O Cellars Meritage Red Blend 2019
My first Burntshirt bottle! I opted to open the Meritage first to see what their overall fruit profile could produce when blended for optimal experience… Quite impressed and can honestly say that it would be amongst the top 3–5 producers in the state… The soil insight are capable of ripening especially in this optimal vintage. All five Bordeaux varietals used and leads to a Monticello or Breaux-style blend. Rich, with plenty of heft, this build is enough but it’s in no way special or distinct. It reflects competency in farming and in winemaking, but lacks a real pizazz or layers of nuance. It’s just nice ;) the 90 score reflects overcoming the obstacles of latitude and possible excess rains. It’s really good by NC standards, which is a victory that they should be proud of. We put this against burgers and baked beans and we were satisfied, that’s a lot to ask of a cab sauv driven blend ;) — 4 years ago
Produttori del Barbaresco
Barbaresco Nebbiolo 2021
Ruby with a rich bouquet of fruit, spices and floral notes. On the palate flavors of cherry and raspberry with notes of pepper, cinnamon and floral. Long finish, nice balance with fine soft tannins ending with earthy notes. Enjoyable now, a few more years will benefit. The ‘21 is a real insight for what the Riservas will taste like. Rated #7 wine of 2025 by spectator. — 5 months ago
Martin Woods
Jessie James Vineyard Pinot Noir 2021
This seems more integrated than the Hyland Vineyard, same vintage. Anyone have insight? — a year ago
Mount Pleasant Wines
Elizabeth Hunter Valley Sémillon 2001
I know that this isn't a fancy super expensive wine, but if you are patient to cellar it it will open a door of perception, an insight on the Hunter Valley semillon, it could indeed be a textbook as an aged sample and descriptor of the category.
Lime jelly, macadamia, lanolin, lemongrass, mineral and the more you swirl the more it gives you all in perfect balance. An outstanding performer that very rarely disappoints.
Long and generous. — 6 years ago
Maison L'Envoyé
Bourgogne Pinot Noir 2013
Very cool wood cut label. Color is beautiful. Garnett and black-cherry juice. Aroma is fresh and subtle. Some peony flowers and a berry-apple tartlet type thing. Flavors are striking considering how light it is. Excellent balance and very dry. ‘Stemy’ with strawberry-rhubarb pie perhaps. It’s Pinot, but it’s also strange and much more citrusy than most American stuff. Cheerful and easy to enjoy. I’d consider this a small in insight into the Bourgogne mystique. — 6 years ago
Freddy R. Troya
Castellani — St. Giorgio Vernaccia di San Gimignano 2024, Vernaccia di San Gimignano DOCG — Tuscany, Italy 🇮🇹
Overview:
100% Vernaccia. A fresh and vibrant follow-up to the Vintage 2023,(also reviewed) maintaining the classic Tuscan profile while leaning into greater precision and energy. This vintage 24 highlights freshness and length over the more almond-driven character of the prior year.
Aromas & Flavors:
Lemon zest, green apple, and crisp pear take the lead. Subtle floral notes and a delicate mineral edge add lift, with less emphasis on the traditional almond note and more focus on citrus-driven clarity.
Mouthfeel:
Light to medium-bodied with brighter acidity than the v.2023. Clean, lively, and more linear in structure, finishing longer with a slightly savory edge that lingers elegantly.
Food Pairings:
Seafood, grilled fish, light pasta, fresh salads, or simple Mediterranean dishes. Excellent as a refreshing aperitif.
Verdict:
A more energetic and refined expression of Vernaccia. While the v.2023 leans slightly rounder with its almond touch, the v.2024 shines with freshness, precision, and a longer, more savory finish.
Did You Know?
Vernaccia di San Gimignano was the first Italian wine to receive DOC status in 1966, marking its place as one of Italy’s most historic white wines.
🍷 Personal Pick Insight:
V.2024 edges ahead for its freshness and extended finish, more vibrant and food-driven, while still honoring the classic style. — 5 days ago